Skin cancer

This afternoon I was just getting undressed to dye my hair. As I took my clothes off and looked in the mirror I noticed small, blotchy, raised little lumps on my chest that have little dots in them. The colour I would say is pinky but when touched they obviously turn more red. As I looked over my body I’ve noticed more. I first found one of these little lumps on my thigh probably a year ago. It would occasionally itch but I passed it off as maybe eczema or psoriasis. Over the months I’ve noticed a few but have never thought anything of them, just dry skin. Today when I’ve looked..I’ve counted 17. Some on my legs, some on my chest, a couple on my back and sides, 2 on my bikini area and a couple on my arms. Some bigger than others, different shapes, and some looking like they are just forming. Stupidly, I have used sunbeds for years now on and off, at some points maybe twice a week, sometimes once, or in a few instances before occasions maybe even 3 times in one week. I was unaware until a few months ago that skin cancer runs in my family on my dad’s side. My grandad having it, my uncle (his son) having it, as well as my dad having a couple of scares and being under dermatology where he’s had a few removed but was told they weren’t cancerous. I am absolutely petrified as I’m 27 and I feel like it is skin cancer. What do I do??

  • Hello and thanks for posting

    I'm sorry you are worried about your health.

    I'm afraid we can't say what is the matter ( diagnose) when someone has skin symptoms. Only a doctor can make a medical assessment so we always encourage people to make an appointment to see their GP if their symptoms are persisting. Doctors are trained to assess symptoms and can advise further.  

    I think a lot of people with new or ongoing symptoms worry about cancer. But for most symptoms there are a lot of other potential explanations and usually it is more likely that something like a common skin condition else is more likely, especially at your young age.

    I hope you know more about your situation soon.

    Kind regards,

    Vanda