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Your Story Series: Meet Fiona

What is your name?

Hi, my name is Fiona.

Describe yourself in 3 to 5 words.

Mother, volunteer, nutritionist, agricultural scientist.

How did you discover your skin cancer/melanoma/skin condition and how long ago?

I was diagnosed with lupus 2 years ago while pregnant and also had my first skin cancer cut out. I had increasingly bad joint pain and was getting sunburnt within 5min of being in the sun even with sunscreen on! In hindsight it was more likely the lupus rash flaring.

While dealing with the lupus diagnosis I noticed a sore that wasn’t healing which was a skin cancer. So far it’s been one skin cancer per year. UV rays flare my lupus which is really hard in Aussie summers!

What is your attitude towards sun protection today?

I am really strict with sun exposure now. I hate wearing sunscreen so I wear full length UV protective clothes, big hat and sunscreen on all exposed areas if I have to be out in the sun. Otherwise I stay indoors through UV higher than 3.

What would you tell your 16-year-old self about sun protection?

I would tell my younger self (younger than 16!!!) to get educated. Stay out of high UVs, wear sunscreen and protective clothing!! It is not worth the risk. Thankfully my kids are seeing my struggles and are willingly getting sun wise. I am still learning about the hidden UVs like through car windows and fluorescent lights but wearing Solbari clothes give me peace of mind that I am protected.

Thank you Fiona for helping raise awareness for skin cancer, melanoma and skin conditions, and sharing your story with us and our Solbari Community.

The Solbari Team

Also in Solbari Blog

What clothing protects best from the sun?

Dermatologists agree that clothing is the best way to protect yourself from the sun.

However, it is important to note that some clothing protects you a lot more than others from UV radiation.

What does UPF mean?

This blog explains that UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and indicates what level of UV radiation is absorbed by the fabric (and is therefore blocked before it reaches your skin).The Australian Government tests and rates the UPF rating of fabrics.

What does UPF 50+ mean?

UPF 50+ is the maximum sun protective rating achievable for fabrics.

UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor and is the sun protective rating measure for fabrics.

UPF50+ means that only up to 1/50th or 2% of ultraviolet radiation is able to penetrate the fabric which has been tested.

A fabric which has been awarded a UPF 50+ rating by the Australian Government is considered to provide excellent protection.