Melanoma Foundation chief diagnosed with skin cancer

The head of the Melanoma Foundation wants to remind people that the disease can strike anyone and says she has been diagnosed with skin cancer.

Anne Ackerman says the melanoma was discovered during a routine check in December and the spot has been removed.

"The doctor laughed nervously and was almost embarrassed that he was telling the head of the Melanoma Foundation that she had melanoma too. I just laughed back. It was like a black comedy,"she said.

"Don't think 'it won't happen to me' as I have proved it can happen to anyone. My advice to others is to go to your doctor or a dermatologist and get an annual check as it could save your life. If you catch it early you have a really good chance of recovery."

Ms Ackerman said that as a youngster she spent a lot of time in the sun.

"I was a typical kid, spending all day outdoors on the beach and playing netball over the summer holidays."

Childhood sunburn increases the risk of melanoma in later life.

- NZPA