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27-Year-Old’s Selfie Serves As A Graphic Warning Against Tanning Beds

Warning: Graphic image to follow.

Sure, we all know we're supposed to be careful when in pursuit of the perfect tan. But, when summer comes around, that's often easier said than done. As her graphic selfie proves, this is a lesson 27-year-old mother Tawny Willoughby learned the hard way, reports Cosmopolitan. First diagnosed with skin cancer at the age of 21, Willoughby admits to a tanning habit that really took off in high school. At the time, she was up to four or five sessions per week because her tans faded quickly. But, she makes it clear that she never tanned more than once a day.  Related: Cuba Has A Lung Cancer Vaccine & The U.S. Wants It Now, she writes, "I go to the dermatologist every six to 12 months and usually have a skin cancer removed at each check-up." The result of a recent treatment was captured in the graphic photo below  — and shared as a warning against the dangers of tanning beds. Related: My Life With Orthorexia Unfortunately, Willoughby is not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., with about 3.5 million cases diagnosed annually. Although Willoughby has never had melanoma, it is expected to cause nearly 10,000 deaths this year. Related: What It's Really Like To Live With Physical Disability (NSFW) So, it's important to remember that you don't necessarily need to be tan to have healthy-looking, glowing skin. But, if you must, at least heed Willoughby's warning: Wear sunscreen and stick to spray tans. (Redbook)

If anyone needs a little motivation to not lay in the tanning bed and sun here ya go! This is what skin cancer treatment...

Posted by Tawny Willoughby on Saturday, April 25, 2015


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