“There are different types of precancerous lesions, and they vary in terms of their rate of growth and severity,” explains Professor Vijay Nayar, GP lead and medical director at Healthium. “The key message is to monitor and seek advice if you are concerned. Most of these lesions can be treated effectively if caught early, preventing them from progressing to cancer.”

Some types of precancerous lesions are on the rise, he warns, thanks to increased sun exposure and sunbed use. Of course, sun exposure has its benefits; vitamin D synthesis and boosting serotonin levels are the two big ones. But we’re obsessed with tanning in this country to a dangerous level. In fact, new research shows that 28% of the UK public use sunbeds and many don’t even realise they increase the risk of skin cancer. A lot of my friends use sunbeds and, up until now, I’ve never really questioned it or seen the habit as something potentially problematic. It’s not always for aesthetic reasons: my friends think that UV exposure can help a lot of skin concerns like eczema and psoriasis. As a teen with acne, I was often advised that sunbathing would help to dry up any spots and that’s stuck with me well into adulthood. Now, I can’t help wondering which sunbathing session was the tipping point for my skin damage.

“My eczema turned out to be a precancerous lesion – here’s what I want my friends to know about skin damage”