A NORTH Yorkshire businesswoman has urged people to be aware of skin cancer as she faces her own health scare.

Gillian Robson has made sun protection her life’s work after being treated for melanoma, but is now facing further treatment.

Gillian, from Easingwold, runs award-winning suncare business Tancream with pal Katy Foxcroft and was first diagnosed with skin cancer five years ago.

She was given the all-clear 12 months ago, but following a check-up in August, there are fresh concerns about moles on her neck, hip and leg.

Gillian was examined using a dermatoscope, advanced camera technology given to Vale of York GPS by charity York Against Cancer, with the support of organisations including Tancream.

Her GP took detailed images of the suspicious moles and sent them to dermatologists at York Hospital.

Within ten days she was undergoing further surgery to remove them.

Gillian said: “I’m a bit sore, but staying positive. The NHS has been brilliant. It is such a great system.

“The damage I did to my skin was done years ago, but I think it is so important to get the skin safety message out, especially to the younger generation.”

Tancream produces a high-factor, broad-spectrum sun cream and Gillian said it was crucial that people take care of their skin and don’t delay seeing their doctor if they have any concerns.

She said: “They really won’t mind. It only takes a few minutes of a doctor’s time and you mustn’t feel as though you are being a nuisance.”

The tissue removed in Gillian’s operation has been sent for analysis and she is expecting the results in the next two to three weeks.

She said: “I am being monitored and that’s the important thing.

“It has been emotional. Someone brought me flowers and I broke down on the doorstep, but now it is onwards and upwards for me.”

The Tancream self-tan and protection product was developed with leading skin scientist Dr Jack Ferguson and cosmetic chemist Jo Warren and offers people the chance to get a safe and healthy tan.

It is an all-in-one cream offering SPF50, five-star UVA protection and a gradual self-tan plus bronzer.

The business has won a string of beauty and business awards and Gillian and Katy have funded two dermatoscopes for York Against Cancer’s Vale of York project.

The pair are also considering a longer-term funding programme that could help see the technology introduced more widely in the UK.