Craig’s experience with melanoma

In May 2018, Craig noticed a small lump on the inside of his bottom lip. He visited his GP - who initially believed it to be a harmless cyst - but referred him to a dermatologist. Craig was then prescribed antibiotics to reduce the lump's size before having it cut out, but was not told it was anything more concerning at the time.

Six days later, Craig was asked to return to discuss the results, believing this was just a formality. However, during that appointment, his world shifted. What started as a lump was determined to be a nodular melanoma - a deep, aggressive form of cancer requiring immediate surgery.

That June, Craig underwent a challenging and painful surgery which involved extracting tissue from his lip and surrounding lymph nodes to prevent the cancer from spreading. "It was a horrendous [experience]... incredibly painful" he recalls.

Despite the difficult procedure, Craig received good news when the results showed that his lymph nodes were clear. While this was a relief, there was still the possibility that melanoma could spread through his bloodstream, so the oncology team recommended radiation therapy as a precaution.

Radiation, however, proved to be another difficult chapter - enduring treatments that involved wearing a tight mask and being strapped to a machine, exposing his mouth to direct radiation.

"It was a rough experience, but I kept going," Craig reflects.

Just as Craig thought he was nearing the end of his treatment, a follow-up scan in October 2018 revealed troubling news - another tumour had developed in his pelvis.

Against the odds, the following immunotherapy treatment – a three-month cycle of two drugs – on the stage 4 tumour proved successful. In a surreal moment on a train ride home from a drug trial, Craig received a call from his doctor informing him that there was no longer any sign of the tumour. He was cancer-free.

As Craig continued his recovery, he was left with a profound new sense of perspective. "I know I’m very lucky," he says. "People in my support group were dying." While cancer had taken a toll on his body and his emotions, it had also led him to embrace life in a new way. "It changes who you are..., and it’s just not worth it to take those risks."

Craig’s past experiences, particularly his love for surfing and suntanning, had put him at risk for melanoma. He’s now a strong advocate for sun protection, especially for younger generations. He added that people “Don’t [need to] worry about trends. There’s nothing cool about a cancer diagnosis."

Almost six years later, Craig is in remission and uses his experience to raise awareness about the importance of sun protection. He remains vigilant, having scans every three months for the first few years after his diagnosis, but his oncologist recently told him that further scans may no longer be necessary.

Though the journey has left lasting physical and emotional scars, Craig has found new strength. He continues to surf but is now more cautious about UV exposure, “There’s still a place for me in the ocean. I just have to be really careful now."

Craig’s journey has shaped his message to others facing melanoma or any cancer diagnosis: “You’re still the same person that you are before diagnosis. Don’t be ashamed to cry, be sad or feel scared. And never give up hope.”

Ahead of the upcoming Federal Election, Cancer Council Australia is urging continued support for ongoing investment in skin cancer prevention campaigns, working towards a future free from skin cancer.

For more information about keeping your skin safe in the sun, click here.

If anything raised in this article has caused concerns for you, please know that you can call Cancer Council’s free and confidential information and support service on 13 11 20 to speak to our specially trained staff, who can offer practical and emotional support.