'My cancer premonition dream led to me being diagnosed with it'

A woman has spoken of her shock after her dream about being diagnosed with cancer turned into reality following an appointment with her GP.

Chelsea Rees, from Cardiff, was told she had malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer, in February.

The diagnosis came after she had a dream that her mole had grown and became cancerous, prompting her to get it checked the very next day.

The 29-year-old described it as a "scary time" but is now encouraging others to take precautions and trust your gut to spot any changes.

Rees said she had the vivid dream in October last year and saw it as "a sign" that she should get it checked.

It came just a few months after she lost her uncle to cancer so it felt like it was already on her mind, she said.

"After that dream I went to my GP and saw a nurse the next day," she told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.

The nurse said she would take some photos of the mole, which was 11mm in size, and sent them to a dermatologist at the University Hospital of Wales.

Rees said she did not have any other signs associated with skin cancer, and felt the mole was noticeable as she had not had one before.

"I was going through grief as well, so I wanted to help myself, because it was quite a scary time," she added.

Rees said the experience has shown her trusting your body is better than any list of symptoms you can find online in some situations.

"I just felt like I know my body, and it just was not right for me," she added.

The dermatologist said the mole looked odd enough that it should be removed so they could ensure it would not spread.

"It is one of those things that if it spreads and it goes to your lymph nodes, it's a bit different to just removing it," said Rees.

After undergoing a 45-minute procedure to remove the mole, Rees waited a number of months before receiving the verdict.

She said she remembered thinking that "no news was good news", but in January, she received a letter telling her it was a stage 1b malignant melanoma.

"It was caught very early, but there's different types of skin cancer, and this was the most serious kind," she said.

"So it was great that I got it checked."

Rees went back to the hospital shortly after for the same procedure but this time, it involved taking a wider area of skin to check the cancer had not spread to other parts of her body.

"I'm getting better. It sounds like I had the all clear, but I know I'm not there yet."

Rees said she had further appointments that will take place in August to keep checking her skin and lymph nodes.

She credited the Macmillan Cancer Support charity with supporting her throughout this period.

"I've had counselling through them, and they have some really good support networks," she added.

Rees said her advice to others would be to trust your body.

"Check yourself out, definitely go see a doctor for anything. Check your body not just for cancer, but for signs of skin cancer as well."

• If you see a new mole or a change in an existing mole on your body it may be signs of melanoma, according to the NHS

• Melanomas can appear anywhere on your body, but they are more common in areas that are often exposed to the sun

• Some rarer types can affect the eyes, soles of the feet, palms of the hands or genitals

• You should check your skin for any unusual changes. A mirror or asking a partner or friend to check any areas you cannot see is also recommended

• If you're concerned, see your GP