Life Tips 25/06/2025 15:56

Atomic Kitten's Natasha Hamilton received a skin canc3r diagnosis after an "itchy back." Here are 4 signs of skin canc3r that aren't moles

Who's most at risk of getting skin cancer and where on the body it can show up
Atomic Kitten’s Natasha Hamilton has bravely opened up about her battle with skin cancer, revealing that she was diagnosed after noticing an unusual itchy spot on her back.
In an appearance on Good Morning Britain, the 42-year-old singer shared that she now has to be "extremely vigilant" and regularly check her skin. Natasha was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most prevalent form of skin cancer in the UK.
BCC originates in the basal cells, a type of cell that generates new skin cells as older ones die off. This form of cancer is more likely to develop on skin that is frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, or head.
Typically, BCC appears as a pearly lump, but it can also manifest as a scar-like patch or rough, scaly growths on the skin.
Natasha initially misidentified the affected area as a mosquito bite. During the interview, she recalled how she developed an itch after spending time in the sun while on holiday in Majorca.
She explained, "I had been on holiday, but I wasn’t in the sun for long. My baby was only about five months old, and I was breastfeeding. One afternoon, I had her on my lap, and my back was exposed to the sun. I got a burn."
"It wasn't until a few days later that I noticed the spot was itching. I thought it was a mosquito bite at first. But after a month, when it kept itching, I realized that seemed a bit too long for a simple bite."
She then asked her husband to have a look, and he responded, "That’s not a bite." He even took a picture of it.
At first, Natasha had just noticed a small dark freckle on her back that had been there for years. It wasn’t raised, just a freckle, not even a mole.
When she sought professional help, Natasha was diagnosed with BCC. Thankfully, she was able to have the cancerous skin removed and is now living cancer-free.
However, she emphasized that she has to be "very careful" going forward and regularly checks her skin. "Since then, I've had a few things pop up that I’ve had to go back to the dermatologist for. They’re on the 'watch list.' This is something I’ll have to monitor for the rest of my life."
Four Key Indicators of BCC
When people think of skin cancer, they often picture a mole. This is generally associated with melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. However, non-melanoma skin cancer, which includes BCC, can present itself in other, subtler ways.
Macmillan Cancer Support outlines some characteristics of BCC, which may include:
  • A smooth, firm lump that might be pearly, pink, red, brown, or black. On darker skin tones, it is often pearly, brown, or black.

  • A lump that sinks in the center, resembling a crater.

  • A flat, scaly, crusty, or irritated skin patch.

  • A scar-like patch of pale, shiny skin.

BCCs are generally painless but can be itchy or bleed. Over time, untreated BCC can turn into an open sore that doesn’t heal.
BCCs are most commonly found in areas that are regularly exposed to the sun, such as the:
  • Head, face, and ears

  • Neck and shoulders

  • Back

  • Hands

  • Lower legs

People with fair skin are most at risk for BCC, but individuals with other skin types may also develop it, according to the British Skin Foundation.
The people at the highest risk for basal cell carcinoma include:
  • Those with fair skin who burn easily and rarely tan.

  • People who have had substantial sun exposure, such as outdoor enthusiasts or workers, and those who have lived in sunny climates.

  • Individuals who have used sunbeds or frequently sunbathed.

  • Those who have had a previous basal cell carcinoma.

Fortunately, nearly all cases of BCC are treatable, and it is rarely life-threatening. However, if left untreated, a BCC may grow larger and be more prone to recurrence.
Treatment typically involves the surgical removal of the affected skin area.

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