Eivind Ertesvag 
A mother of two from the United States is sharing a powerful warning after being diagnosed with skin cancer at a young age. She believes frequent use of tanning beds as a teenager may have contributed to the disease – and now hopes her story can prevent others from making the same mistake.
For many people, especially during colder months, the desire for a healthy glow can lead to visits to tanning salons. But health experts have warned about the risks of artificial tanning for years.
Mallory Lubbock’s story is a stark reminder of why.
Left with a large scar on her face
In a Facebook post, Lubbock described how she spent much of her teenage years using tanning beds.
Years later, she was diagnosed with skin cancer and had to undergo multiple procedures to remove cancerous growths.
– Today I had the first cancer spot removed. Now more checkups and likely more procedures are ahead, she wrote in the post.
Following the surgery, she was left with a visible scar on her face — a lasting reminder of the battle she has faced.
Tanned almost every day as a teenager
According to Lubbock, the habit started early.
– Sixteen-year-old me used tanning beds almost every day for two years, she explained.
Today she says she would never allow her own daughter to use tanning beds.
– I hope what I’m going through now is enough to scare her away from it.
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers
Skin cancer is among the most common types of cancer worldwide. Health experts point to several major risk factors, including excessive sun exposure, repeated sunburns, and the use of tanning beds.
Research has shown that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation — whether from the sun or tanning devices — significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
A warning to others
Now the mother of two is using her experience to urge others, especially young people, to think twice before using tanning beds.
– Get your daughters out of tanning salons. Or maybe you need to stay away from tanning beds yourself. It simply isn’t worth it, she wrote.
Today she says she would rather spend time outdoors using strong sunscreen and proper sun protection than risk more surgeries in the future.
Her story has since gained widespread attention on social media, where many people have thanked her for sharing such a personal experience.
Her message is simple:
No tan is worth risking your health.
