Businesswoman urges cancer care as she faces health concerns

Gillian is pictured (right) with her friend and business partner Katy Foxcroft

A north Yorkshire woman who made sun protection her life’s work after being treated for melanoma is facing a fresh health scare.

Gillian Robson, who runs the award-winning suncare business Tancream with her friend Katy Foxcroft, was first diagnosed with skin cancer five years ago.

She had been given the all-clear 12 months ago, but went back to her GP in mid-August with 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 us with the support of organisations including Tancream.

Gillian’s GP used the instrument to take detailed images of her moles, then sent them off to dermatologists at York Hospital – and within 10 days she was undergoing surgery to have them removed.

“I’m all right –  a bit sore, but staying positive,” said Gillian, who lives in Easingwold. “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 just so important to get the skin safety message out, especially to the younger generation.”

Gillian, whose company produces a high-factor, broad-spectrum sun cream, said it was crucial that people took care of their skin in the sun and did not delay seeing their doctor if they had any concerns.

“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,” she said.

The tissue removed in Gillian’s op has been sent off for analysis, and the results should be available in the next two to three weeks.

“I am being monitored and that’s the important thing,” said Gillian. “It has been emotional –  someone brought me flowers and I broke down on the doorstep – but now it is onwards and upwards for me.”

Gillian and Katy’s Tancream product was developed with leading skin scientist Dr Jack Ferguson and cosmetic chemist Jo Warren.

It is an all-in-one cream offering SPF50, five-star UVA protection, a gradual self-tan plus a bronzer, giving people the chance to have a safe and healthy tan.

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

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