Mystery melanoma kills chef

Reuben Brawn-Douglas. Photo / Supplied

Melanoma sufferer Reuben Brawn-Douglas was told to have check-ups every three months or once a year.

He chose the latter. But the 26-year-old chef became one of about 250 Kiwis who die each year from the skin cancer. On Thursday he was farewelled by about 400 family and friends at his funeral in Auckland's Devonport.

His death comes as experts mark Men's Health Week, starting tomorrow, with a plea for men to drop the "she'll be right" attitude and have regular check-ups. About 2000 Kiwis are diagnosed with melanoma each year. It is the leading cause of cancer death for 20 to 40-year-olds.

Reuben had a melanoma surgically removed two years ago. He was given different recommendations by different specialists, to get a check every three months or once a year.

His mother Pene Brawn-Douglas said there was no concern about the conflicting advice and he deliberately chose not to have the more regular check-ups.

"He didn't want to have it constantly on his mind," she said. "There was the feeling that if it was going to come back it was likely it was going to keep coming back.

"He may have lived longer but he wanted to enjoy life and make the most out of it."

Reuben had a scan on April 1, by which time the melanoma had returned and spread through his liver and lungs. Nothing could be done.

"It was amazing, he never once, the whole time expressed fear, anger, or regret about it," said his mother. "He was completely philosophical and accepting. He was more concerned about the impact it would have on those around him."

How her son got melanoma was a mystery, she said. Growing up he had never been overly exposed to the sun. While living at Bondi in Sydney he had got a "couple of sunburns".

"It could be that, but we just don't know."

Last October he followed his dream and bought the Albert Park Cafe in central Auckland. Customers became friends.

"He didn't want us to be sad," his mother said at his funeral. "He told me he had lived 26 years and no one could take that away from him.

"He talked about food all the time. I didn't even realise he was a good cook until he launched the cafe. People around the world are stopping to think of him today."

Cancer Society's Dr Judith Galtry said New Zealand had surpassed Australia as the melanoma capital of the world and the illness could affect all ages.

"There is certainly a lot of anecdotal evidence there is more concern from parents about kids getting burned."