TWO years ago, Phoebe Drinkwater had an exciting future ahead of her.
Just beginning her second year of studying music at the University of Hull, Phoebe was like any normal student, making the most of her university experience.
When she discovered a red mark resembling a Jelly Tot on her arm, Phoebe went to see her doctor.
Despite being told nothing was wrong after two visits, a third visit to a dermatologist revealed Phoebe had malignant melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.
Phoebe said: "I was in complete shock when I received the news.
"I'm glad I kept going back to the doctors as I knew something wasn't right, despite them telling me it was OK."
Phoebe, now 22, says her brush with cancer has changed how she sees her future.
Although she graduated with a 2:1 in music, she is currently volunteering for Macmillan Cancer Support and would ultimately like a career in the charity fundraising.
Phoebe said: "Going through an experience like this really makes you look at life in a different way.
"I feel really lucky and would like to help those who are going through similar experiences to me and raise money for such a good cause."
Phoebe eventually had the lump removed from her arm in December 2010.
She also had to have more surgery to remove the lymph nodes under her arm after further tests revealed the cancer had spread.
A year later, Phoebe discovered another lump on her arm, a further tumour, which also had to be removed.
A recent scan has revealed the cancer has not come back.
Phoebe said: "I found it difficult to understand why I had skin cancer as I never went on sunbeds or sunbathed when I went on holiday.
"I do have really fair skin and never tan, so all I can put it down to is perhaps not putting enough sun cream on when I went on holiday."
Originally from the Midlands, Phoebe has now moved to East Yorkshire permanently, recently moving into a new house in South Cave with her boyfriend.
Phoebe is encouraging people to go see their GP if they suspect something is wrong.
She said: "You know your own body and if something isn't right, you must persevere. If I hadn't done so, I might not be here right now.
"The rate my cancer was spreading was scarily fast, who knows what could have happened.
"It is really important people get themselves checked out. It is better to be safe than sorry."
Dr Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK's chief executive, said: "The earlier cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat it and the more likely the treatment is to be successful.
"It's important to get to know your skin and if you notice anything unusual, such as a change to a mole or a blemish that still hasn't healed after a few weeks, then get it checked out by your GP."
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