As mosquito season peaks and more of us spend time outdoors in the sun, one mom is sharing her personal experience to raise awareness about skin cancer. Rachel, a 33-year-old single mother, has been documenting her journey with skin cancer on TikTok and is urging others to pay closer attention to any unusual marks or moles on their skin.

In a recent PSA video, Rachel explained how a small mosquito bite turned out to be much more serious than she initially thought. It’s easy to overlook small imperfections, or, as Rachel did, assume they’re just harmless bug bites. But she is encouraging everyone to be mindful of their bodies and take any changes seriously.

Rachel’s ordeal began with a small pink spot on her forehead that eventually started bleeding. “It was small, but painful,” she recalled. Concerned, she visited a doctor for advice.

However, her doctor dismissed her concerns, attributing it to a mosquito bite that she had scratched open due to itching. The doctor even suggested she was too young for skin cancer.

Rachel admitted that she occasionally used tanning beds and had sunburns during her childhood. Despite the doctor's dismissal, she felt something wasn’t right and sought a second opinion. The biopsy results confirmed her fears—she had basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that forms in the cells responsible for producing new skin cells.

After the diagnosis, Rachel underwent six weeks of painful treatment, which left her with a “burning hole” on her forehead. The emotional toll of this experience has been significant. “Mentally, it’s taking a toll just having this on my forehead,” she shared. “Physically, it hurts as well.”

As summer approaches, Rachel is emphasizing the importance of wearing SPF and protecting your skin. “I think people need to see how horrible this looks, so they’re scared into being more careful in the sun,” she said.

With many beauty products now including SPF as a standard, Rachel believes there’s “no excuse” for exposing yourself to the sun without protection. She feels fortunate that her cancer was caught early. “I hope this gruesome area on my forehead serves as a wake-up call for others to be more cautious in the sun,” she said.

Basal cell carcinomas often appear on areas of the body that receive a lot of sun exposure, such as the face, neck, scalp, and arms. However, they can develop anywhere, so it's important to check your skin regularly for any new growths or unusual changes. Pay special attention to your nails for any dark streaks, and keep an eye out for any changes in existing moles—whether they grow, change shape, or change color. If a mole starts bleeding or won’t heal, it may also indicate skin cancer.

Don’t forget your sunscreen this summer!