Model warns of cancer risks of using sunbeds after having moles removed

‘You don’t think something as little as a mole could cause skin cancer’

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A model has warned people about the dangers of using sunbeds after being forced to have several moles removed.

Ella Ravenscroft is a 20-year-old model and high-definition brow technician from Manchester who’s signed with Nemesis Model Agency.

She believed using sunbeds was harmless… until moles appeared on her body as a result.

Ravenscroft has now had to have her moles surgically removed, which has left scars all over her body.

Sunbeds emit ultraviolet rays that can drastically increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

According to the NHS, sunbeds can give out ultraviolet rays that are stronger than those emitted by the sun during the hottest time of the day.

Ravenscroft has shared her story on Facebook in order to spread the message that using sunbeds is extremely inadvisable.

“Girls/boys this is why it’s really important NOT to use the sunbeds, I had two tiny moles on my tummy that have grown due to using sunbeds!” she wrote.

“Never thought this would happen as I didn’t realise it was possible but they’ve now had to be replaced by scars.

“Just want to make people more aware how dangerous they are as you don’t think something as little as a mole could cause cancer.”

Ravenscroft has had to have several moles removed, including two on her stomach, one on her back and one below her breast.

“If your moles feel itchy or grow make sure to get them checked out!” Ravenscroft advised.

“Better to be safe than sorry.”

One of the main causes for melanoma, which is a type of skin cancer, is excessive exposure to ultraviolet light, which means that sunbeds pose a great risk.

If you develop a new mole or spot an area of your skin changing, it’s worth visiting a doctor to get checked.

Cancer Research UK also advises going to see a medical professional if you notice a mole that’s enlarging, irregularly shaped, changing colour, asymmetrical, itchy, bleeding or inflamed.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has concluded from a number of studies that using sunbeds can increase your risk of melanoma by as much as 16 to 20 per cent.