Cajsa Wessberg, a 34-year-old from Stockholm, discovered a birthmark that turned out to be malignant melanoma. Her story highlights the importance of sun safety and regular skin checks, as she now takes extra precautions to protect herself from the sun.
Cajsa's Birthmark: A Hidden Battle with Skin Cancer
Cajsa's Birthmark: A Hidden Battle with Skin Cancer
Cajsa Wessberg, 34, noticed a birthmark that looked different. Despite being generally healthy, she couldn't imagine it was something serious. "I remember crying," says Cajsa.
Cajsa Wessberg, 34, from Stockholm, has always been "normally cautious" in the sun, according to her. In her early teens, having a tan was popular. But as she grew older, that ideal changed. She became interested in vintage culture and preferred being pale rather than sunbathing like many others.
"As an adult, I've sunbathed a little, but not much. Of course, I've gotten sunburned occasionally because you forget. It's tedious to apply sunscreen."
In recent years, Cajsa has become more diligent about watching for new or changed birthmarks. She often asks her friend, a doctor, to check carefully when they change clothes or when she applies sunscreen on her back during the summer.
It was during one of these occasions four years ago that her friend noticed something.
One of the spots was darker and more elongated than the others. To this day, she doesn't know if it appeared in recent years or if she always had it.
"She was like, 'Oh Cajsa, I'm not sure. Maybe the one on your shoulder looks a bit strange,'" she says.
The Spot Was Skin Cancer
Cajsa went to have the spot checked, and her friend's concern was confirmed. The spot on her shoulder turned out to be malignant melanoma, or skin cancer.
"I was very shocked," says Cajsa.
"I had cancer without knowing it. I remember crying," she continues.
She underwent surgery where doctors removed a piece of skin. After days of panic and fear of death, she finally received reassuring news. The doctors could see that the cancer had not spread.
"It ended very happily."
After the cancer diagnosis, she is much more cautious than before. On sunny summer days, she often wears a hat, a shirt over her tank top, applies sunscreen thoroughly, and stays more in the shade.
"I've even gotten a small, ugly UV umbrella that I sit with."
Cajsa also goes for annual check-ups to see if any spot has changed shape or color. Just a few months ago, both she and the doctor thought another spot looked different.
"But it turned out to be fine. So now I'm healthy and everything is good. But I have to keep an eye on it."
Are you afraid of getting cancer again?
"Yes, of course, I'm afraid of that."
"I don't feel immortal in the same way I did before."
Trend of Being Tanned: "Will Punish Itself"
The trend of chasing UV index, using various sun products, and showing off tans continues on social media this year. Cajsa, who has experienced the consequences of being careless in the sun, thinks the hype is unnecessary.
"I think wanting to be tan is a sign of vanity, and maybe you care about how you look in 15 years too," she says.
"It will punish itself in the long run," she continues.
She has noticed that people around her have been reminded of what too much sun exposure can lead to. Some have even checked their birthmarks because they thought of Cajsa.
"That makes me very happy, it feels like my cancer can help someone else avoid it."