A Scots Voice UK 2024 star has issued a Christmas warning about using sunbeds after her skin cancer returned just two years after being in remission.
Roisin McCarney, 29, from Glasgow who appeared on the talent show earlier this year, has opened up on what has been a “tough” year after finding out in May that she has stage three melanoma skin cancer – for the second time.
Back in 2020 she was diagnosed with cancer after spotting an “angry” mole on her lower back which turned out to be cancerous. Roisin contacted her GP and the mole was removed. Now, after the cancer returned this year, a tearful Roisin told Glasgow Live: “I had no symptoms, I found a lump in my groin which is where the cancer had spread to last time. There were another three lumps found from that.
“Both times, I would describe it as things went quite silent. Especially the first time when I was only 24, you never think you would have skin cancer. It felt more scary this time. I used sunbeds before so I want to raise awareness of how dangerous they are.
“I worked in a sunbed when I was going through uni and it was enough to do the damage. The doctors said it was probably that which ignited it.”
Singer Roisin had surgery to remove her lymph nodes and tumours during the summer. She will be on cancer treatment for another two years, but is currently on a break.
She said: “I am very happy to have a break for my body because it is feeling weak. It’s been a tough year accepting things, I am quite sick because of the treatment. But I have been very lucky that I’m still able to live my life while undergoing treatment.”
Roisin admits her diagnosis has changed her perspective on life and allowed her to “stop and slow down”. Today, she’ll be spending Christmas day with her nearest and dearest. She added: “All I want for Christmas is a wee margarita which I won’t be able to have because of my body just now. However, I am at my mum’s this year with all my family so it will be nice to be surrounded by everyone I love.
“I usually love a little bevvy but it’s alright, it isn’t the be all or end all. It is a joyous day but will probably be a quiet one and will be special spending time with family and friends. I was a bit of a workaholic before my diagnosis. It has made me stop and slow down. I make sure I go out and see people, and catch up with friends.
“These things, as horrible as they are, make you more grateful for the little things in life. I love my job but you need to make time for living life and that is what I have been doing. Don’t stop living life if you have cancer, still get out there if you can. But listen to your body and don’t do anything you don’t want to do.”
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