How a Melanoma Diagnosis Led to a Life of Sun Safety and Sheila Swimwear

A diagnosis that changed everything

For Clare, it was a casual comment from a friend that changed her life. A simple observation about a mole behind her shoulder blade and a nudge to get it checked, led her to a clinic in London. What started as a routine check-up ended with a phone call that turned everything upside down: Clare had melanoma.

“I was shocked. It felt like an out-of-body experience,” Clare recalls. “I had gone to the clinic as a matter of routine. But when the call came, I was speechless.”

The next few days were a whirlwind. A biopsy confirmed the melanoma, and surgery was scheduled almost immediately. Clare, far from her family in Australia, leaned on her friends in London for support. “I didn’t want to alarm anyone back home, so I kept it close to my chest. But my friends were incredible. And, well, retail therapy didn’t hurt either!” Clare remembers buying a winter coat, joking that if she was going to face this, she’d do it in style.

Treatment and recovery

The diagnosis was followed swiftly by surgery. The melanoma was aggressive, and Clare had to undergo a wide excision to remove the cancerous cells. Thankfully, the surgery was successful, but it wasn’t until her follow-up check that the gravity of the situation sank in. She learned that the melanoma had been just 0.1mm away from requiring more intensive treatment. 

After surgery, Clare entered a period of regular check-ups—first every three months, then every six. Now, she sees a dermatologist annually, staying vigilant about her skin health.

A new approach to sun safety

This experience fundamentally changed how Clare viewed sun exposure. She was always cautious, knowing her fair skin didn’t tan, but now she’s committed to a life of sun safety for herself and her children. High SPF sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and UPF 50+ swimwear fabric became non-negotiables in her daily life.

Clare also began to notice a cultural shift—more people were embracing sun protection, and attitudes towards tanning were slowly changing. But she couldn’t help but feel that the options for stylish, protective swimwear were lacking. That’s when the seed for Sheila swimwear was planted.