Fiona Pike in action

"For more than 13 years I enjoyed an endless summer following the professional golf tour across the globe which included career highlights of third  in the British Open, runner-up in the Italian Open and mixing it with the best on the LPGA tour in the United States."

In 2005, shortly after retiring from professional golf, doctors found a deep skull-based tumour which was eventually diagnosed a melanoma. Even though my tumour did not present as a skin lesion that could have been screened, tested or detected, more than 99 per cent of melanomas do present on the skin surface. I don't want any other golfer or caddy to experience this terrible disease.

I have undergone a major operation to cut out much of tumour followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The cancer has spread to other part of my body.

I don’t want any other golfer or caddy to experience this terrible disease. Our profession means we are all at a significantly increased risk of skin cancer and we need to be vigilant in protecting our skin and checking for changes to the skin.

Year round we follow the summer sun, which means we are continually in the direct path of damaging ultraviolet radiation.

It can take only 15 minutes to burn and a few burns in a lifetime to cause skin cancer, but cumulative sun exposure (including tanning) is the most common cause of skin cancer.

"This is mostly a preventable disease and can be picked up early by checking your own skin and having it checked by a professional if you notice changes, so please join my campaign and reduce the skin cancer risk to our profession."