As we ease into the hot Saskatchewan summer months, we wanted to reflect on the importance of sun safety. The skin is our body’s largest organ, and we need to pay extra attention to it as the UV index rises and we spend more time outside.

Shayla Ackerman is a Regina-born and bred real estate agent, mom, wife and skin cancer survivor. In 2021, Shayla was diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), a non-melanoma skin cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Canadians, so we asked Shayla to sit down with us, tell us about her experience and share her takeaway from this life-changing experience. What follows is Shayla’s first-hand experience and story.

***One year after the removal of my first BCC.***

I have always been a heat seeker—summer is when I thrive! As a kid, my parents would help me protect my skin but as I grew into a young adult, they allowed me to make my own decisions, and I thank them for that. Shortly after getting my first job and earning my own money, I experienced the freedom of spending on what I wanted. This brought the opportunity to buy tanning minutes. (Back then, it was a fad!) I continued to tan in beds until my very early 20s. By 23, I became a mom and things like tanning beds were no longer my priority. But I have always been industrious and used the days on the boat with my (now) husband to curb my tanning craving. I have always been overprotective of my children, applying sunscreen around the clock to their fair skin, requiring hats, and collecting our fair share of rash guards, all while basking in the sun myself, wearing baby oil. Being fully transparent and honest—I abused the sun, and I regret it now.

I am embarrassed to say, I didn’t know much about skin cancer prevention. I was as aware of the risks as anyone else who keeps their head buried in the sand… It’s not that I had a mentality that “it wouldn’t happen to me,” but being skin and sun safe in my early years just wasn’t on my radar. In my defence, growing up I don’t really remember people being as open about the risks of skin cancer, which is why I try to share my story. I want the young teenager tanning in the beds to hear me. I want the mom focusing on her kids to practice what you preach. I want the person in their 30s to know. You’re never too young.

**On the bed in the plastic surgery unit at the Pasqua Hospital, awaiting removal of my BCC.**

I was 32 when I noticed it. It was growing above my right eyebrow. It started as a small bump that over many months continued to grow and discolour. I knew it wasn’t a mole, as it looked different and was never there before. It was an odd shape and would change in size. I later went on to learn these are some of the main things to watch for when being skin smart. (Search the ABCDEs of skin cancer and you’ll see what I mean.) I scheduled a doctor’s appointment because I was becoming self-conscious and wanted to ask about having it removed. I was then put on a lengthy waitlist to see a dermatologist, but truthfully was nothing more than self-conscious about the bump. I’d soon learn it was more than a bump.

It’s been nearly a year to the day since my diagnosis. I saw the dermatologist and things moved very quickly from there. So quickly, that a lot of it is a blur. I walked in thinking I was going to have an annoying bump removed, and I walked out questioning if I had skin cancer, and if so, what kind. That day my heart sank. I asked all the scary questions, and I give many thanks to the doctor because she was very thorough. The characteristics of my growth were most similar to Melanoma, but I was assured no one would know anything for certain until it was removed. I was referred to (in my opinion) one of the best plastic surgeons in our city. My mind was all over the place by this time. I am very thankful to say that I don’t think it was much more than a week before I was in to see the surgeon. He was careful with me, as I think he saw in my eyes how scared and concerned I was. His whole office was nothing short of amazing. I was booked in for my removal within the week. Things went well. We talked about real estate, which made me feel comfortable and right at home. But my nerves were still on edge—l walked out knowing that my spot still represented the common characteristics of Melanoma.

THANKFULLY, my diagnosis came back as Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC). I never want people to think I am overreacting because if I have learned anything, it’s that I won the lottery of skin cancers. BCC skin cancer rarely results in death but that is not to discredit the emotions I, or anyone else, feel. If I could give any advice, it would be to one, lean on your support system. I reached out to those who were close to me and told them what was going on. I am not saying you need to tell everyone, but I am a very social person; one who chooses to share a lot of my life online, so reaching out to those I love to tell them first was important. Secondly, don’t let your mind wander. This is easier said than done. I spent many nights wondering what my results would say. They took a handful of weeks to come back, which meant a lot of time to sit at home and think. Lastly, don’t use Google. Gosh is it a devastating tool that can very often be wrong. Advocate for yourself and put trust in your doctors and healthcare professionals—they know what they’re doing, and you need to believe them.

This month marks one year since my first removal, May – Skin Cancer Awareness month. My scar is noticeable but barely, and honestly, it doesn’t bother me. If anything, it’s a daily reminder when I look in the mirror to apply my sunscreen. I have educated myself on how to be more aware of potential skin issues. I have done my best to pay attention to and listen to my body including watching my skin and taking note of any changes I see. Overall, I have worked hard to live a healthier life since this situation. Doesn’t that sound silly? I needed this, to wake me up. I try to approach life with a skin-safe mindset. My hat collection has grown substantially, I threw out all the baby oils (for tanning purposes) and I invested in a good daily sunscreen for my face. After having BCC, I am now at a higher risk of developing other skin cancers, including Melanoma. I will live with that in the back of my mind for the rest of my life. Last summer, I feared the sun; this summer, I choose to be smart.

-Shayla Ackerman

I’d love to connect! Reach me at shayla@shaylaackerman.com, on Instagram or visit my website!

Skin Prep for Summer: Reflecting on Skin Cancer Awareness Month