Mum says holiday hot-tub saved her life when it found her cancer

Mum Discovers Cancer Due to Hot Tub Dip

A mother credits a holiday hot tub for potentially saving her life after it led to the discovery of her cancer. During a staycation in Cornwall with her husband and two children, Ruth Given decided to take a dip in the lodge’s hot tub. After multiple swims, she noticed her back was sore, initially attributing it to the high-pressure jets. However, she soon realized a mole on her lower back had changed color and started weeping, prompting her to visit her GP.

  • Ruth noticed a change in a mole on her lower back after using the hot tub.
  • She visited her GP and was referred to a dermatologist.
  • Ruth was diagnosed with melanoma and required immediate mole removal.

The dermatologist confirmed the mole was cancerous, leading to its swift removal. Further tests revealed stage-three cancer in Ruth’s lymph nodes, necessitating immunotherapy treatment. Ruth, residing near Exeter in Devon and a mother of three, expressed shock at the diagnosis and the subsequent treatment plan. She emphasized the importance of being vigilant about any bodily changes that warrant medical attention.

“I felt like I was looking outside my body. It wasn’t until I got out of the hospital that it hit me.”

Despite following sun safety measures, Ruth’s experience has made her more cautious about any skin irregularities. Through eight remaining immunotherapy sessions, she encourages others to regularly check for abnormal changes and seek medical advice promptly. Ruth firmly believes that without the hot tub incident, she might not have detected the cancerous mole in time, making early intervention crucial in her case.