She spent her youth outdoors unaware that the sun’s rays were playing Russian roulette with her life.

But now she’s paying the price.

Ms Smith, 26, of Aberglasslyn, was diagnosed with a melanoma in September last year and her life changed.

“When I first found out I had a melanoma I didn’t know that much about it but after a few consultations it all hit home and I was terrified,” Ms Smith said.

“It was all so confronting and all I could do was sit there and cry . . . I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.”

Ms Smith’s melanoma measured 1.4mm deep and had spread to her lymph nodes.

“My husband, Ben, and I were mucking about with the dogs when a mole on my lower back started to bleed and became sore and itchy and then it turned black,” she said.

Ms Smith then made an appointment with the Australian Skin Cancer Maitland clinic and awaited her diagnosis.

“I’ve had quite a bit of surgery to have the cancer removed and I’m still waiting to find out about further treatment but at the moment I’m doing okay. It’s all very scary and I guess it always will be but I’m getting there,” she said.

The couple decided to share their story following news that melanoma rates were on the rise, especially among young people.

“We see young girls at the beach or at the cricket covered in oil, tanning themselves and we want to scream at them,” Mr Smith said.

“Melanoma does not discriminate and because you’re young, it does not mean you’re untouchable.

“Skin cancer does happen and it can kill you.”