SHOCKING pictures of a man who had over 200 cancers hacked off his skin show the terrible consequences of not wearing suncream.
Leigh Raaschou is a former lifeguard who spent most of his life outside directly under the powerful glare of the Australian sun.
ABCLeigh Raaschou revealed the impact that never wearing sunscreen had on his body[/caption]
ABCHe has undergone many operations to remove skin cancer[/caption]
He now warns others of the importantance of wearing sun protection after he has been left with horrific wounds and permanent disfigurement.
Leigh admitted that while working as a “nipper” – a junior lifeguard – in Victoria he “never wore a hat, never wore sunscreen.”
He explained that his appearance is a “result of that” and added: “As you can see by the skin grafts and things I’ve had, I would have had well over 100 skin cancers cut off in that time, probably closer to 200.”
Leigh is covered in scars and blemishes and his left eye appears swollen shut.
He described how sun exposure wreaked havoc on his body causing skin cancer, melanoma, and other health problems.
He told the ABC: “The cancer got into my bone and they had to take my skull out, put a titanium plate in.”
He added: “Unfortunately, [I] got an infection between the plate and my brain, and I had to go back in and remove it.
“But due to the high risk of cutting me open … or bleeding in the brain and things like that they’ve decided that they’re not going to put it back in.
“I’ve had radiation in every area of my head, and the doctors have said there is no more.”
Leigh spoke after the release of new Australian research that found cannabis has a “deadly” effect on melanoma cell growth.
The groundbreaking study led by researchers from Charles Darwin University and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) has offered a glimmer of hope in the fight against melanoma – a deadly form of skin cancer.
The study examined the effects of a cannabis extract called cannabinoid PHEC-66 on melanoma cells, revealing its potential to slow down cell growth and induce “cell death”.
According to the study — published in Cells journal – there are limited pharmacological treatment options for advanced melanomas, with fewer than 15 per cent of patients surviving beyond three years.
Researchers found while melanoma accounted for about 6 per cent of skin cancers, it was the cause of more than 80 per cent of related skin cancer deaths.
Biotechnologist and co-author of the study, Nazim Nassar, said the in-vitro anti-cancer effects of a specific extract from Cannabis sativa — called PHEC-66 — forced melanoma cells into a “programmed cell death” known as apoptosis.
Dr Nassar said existing mediations were often associated with side effects, but cannabis could offer an alternative natural treatment option.
Although this is potentially a big discovery it will rely on funding for further tests.
“Before we take this to human trials, we have to go through animal trials, we have to make sure that these products are safe and effective,” Dr Nassar said.
It comes as a sunbed addict warned others of their devastating impact after being left with a horrible reaction.
Fionnghuala Maguire, 35, was first diagnosed with skin cancer in 2020, following “thousands” of sunbed sessions.
The Belfast mum said bronzing her skin gave her “more confidence” on nights out and on holiday.
She used to top up her tan almost daily.
“It was an addiction, there’s no doubt about that,” the receptionist explained.
The importance of wearing SPF on your skin
Although many of us will only consider wearing SPF when we are jetting off to enjoy sunnier skies it’s actually vital to incorporate it into your everyday skincare routine – here’s why.
Reduce Your Risk of Skin Cancer
It’s important to protect yourself with SPF even on days when it’s cloudy as more than 9 per cent of UV rays can pass through a light cloud cover and cause sunburn.
Statistics show that in the UK 50 per cent of people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, according to the NHS.
You can lower your risk of developing this disease using a minimum of SPF 30 multiple times each day.
Reduce the Risk of Sunburn
You can become sunburned from spending extended periods of time outside with no sunscreen, and also from using tanning beds or booths.
If you continuously get sunburns, it can lead to damage that can cause skin cancer, premature wrinkling, and many other skin issues.
Prevent the Signs of Aging
SPF can actually offer a magic solution to prevent the skin looking aged leathery and wrinkled.
Repeated sun exposure with little to no protection can cause damage to your elastin, collagen and skin cells.
These skin issues are preventable with daily sunscreen use.
Prevent Skin Discoloration
Sun damage can cause areas of discoloration are often called “sun spots” on the skin that are usually tan to brown in colour.,
Applying sunscreen periodically throughout your day can help prevent these spots from appearing.
Reduce Inflammation
When skin is exposed to UV rays it can cause redness and inflammation.
Wearing sunscreen each day helps to prevent inflammation from harmful rays.
Leigh’s skin is marked with blemishes and scarring
GettyLeigh Raaschou worked as a life guard without sun protection for many years[/caption]