Cop Zara’s battle with skin cancer

2017 looks like being a special year for a Gwynedd police officer who is hoping to have a baby after she was diagnosed with skin cancer

ara Thomas spokeoke as Cancer Research UK launched its ‘Right ht Now’ campaignn designed to show the reality of cancer for patients, their friends and family.

The 30-year-old took part in the campaign and revealed how she was diagnosed with malignant melanomama in August 2015.

The North Wales s PC now has check-ups every three months following surgery to remove the cancerous mole from her stomach.

She hopes her story will encourage others to be more careful in the sun.

Zara said: “I’m quite pale and have lots of moles, but noticed that one on my stomach had changed slightly.

“It kept scabbing over, then the scab would fall off and it would start again. My GP took a photo and referred me to a dermatologist. “A few weeks later I had a wide area ar around the mole excise excised and had lymph nod nodes under my left arm armpit and left breast re removed – thankf fully all the tests came back negative. “The last 12 months have been incredibly difficult, but I’m now fo focusing on the fu future and am looking forward to what the N New Year holds.” She added: “It’s been a very stranget experience – I’ve not felt unwell so it’s hard to believe I had cancer. I didn’t know much about melanoma before and aged 28, I didn’t think I had to worry about cancer. “I’ve become much more careful about not getting burnt. I used to be a sunworshipper and would go on sunbeds, but now I apply factor 50.”

She went on to say: “Having melanoma has changed me physically and mentally. The scar on my stomach is 3-4 inches long – it’s made me a bit more insecure and I won’t wear a low-cut bikini now.

“But I try not to stress about the little things.”

And 2017 is set to be an exciting year for Zara and her partner, Andrew, with the couple hoping to welcome a new addition to their family.

“Celebrating my 30th birthday in Iceland a few weeks ago was a definite highlight, as well as moving into our new house” she said.

“2017 is set to be a very special year. We have been trying for a baby and are hoping for some good news in the New Year.

“After starting a family, I’d like to be a detective. I feel very lucky to be alive and definitely appreciate how precious life is.” For more information on how to help beat cancer sooner, visit www.

cruk.org