If you ever needed motivation not to lie on a sunbed, this photo is probably it

Warning: Some people may find the below image distressing

It emerged earlier this month that millions of Britons are putting themselves at risk of skin cancer by spending too long in the sun and ignoring the warning signs.

Now, a graphic photo from a skin cancer sufferer in the US has given perhaps the clearest reminder of just how seriously people should pay attention to the experts.

Tawny Willoughby, a 27-year-old nurse from Alabama, decided to release the image on her Facebook page to raise awareness of the dangers. It has since been shared more than 55,000 times.

This is what skin cancer treatment can look like. Wear sunscreen and get a spray tan. You only get one skin and you should take care of it. Learn from other people's mistakes.

Willoughby, who was first diagnosed with skin cancer at 21 and has been re-diagnosed five times since, now visits a dermatologist up to twice a year and has been through an exhaustive set of treatments.

She explains on her Facebook post that she used sunbeds four or five times a week back in high school "because my tan faded very fast" but even then would cover up from the sun afterwards.

It's the perfect time to stock up on sunscreen for the summer so keep sharing with your loved ones and friends. You never know who may really need to see it!

More: People are ignoring early warning signs of cancer. Here's what they are