**Atomic Kitten Star Natasha Hamilton Discloses Skin Cancer Diagnosis After Sun Exposure**
Natasha Hamilton, recognised as one of the original members of the British pop group Atomic Kitten, has opened up about her recent experience with skin cancer. The 42-year-old singer, who rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s, revealed that she was diagnosed with basal-cell carcinoma—a common type of skin cancer—following an unusual itch on her back after a family holiday.
During an interview on Good Morning Britain, Hamilton recounted the series of events that led to her diagnosis. She described how, after returning from Majorca last year, she noticed an itch on her back. At first, she assumed it was nothing more than a mosquito bite, which she attributed to having spent a short period in the sun while her youngest child was napping on her lap. “I wasn’t really in the sun much because I was breastfeeding my five-month-old, but there was this one afternoon. Later, I found an itchy spot which I didn’t pay too much attention to—I just thought it was a normal bite,” Hamilton explained.
It was only weeks later, after the itch persisted, that Hamilton’s suspicions grew. She asked her husband to examine the area, and he noted that the mark looked anything but typical. After seeing a photograph of the spot, Hamilton realised that it was not a transient skin irritation. Originally, it was a dark freckle she’d had for years—never raised or resembling a mole, but this time something seemed off.
Seeking medical advice led Hamilton to the unexpected discovery: the mark was actually a basal-cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer strongly linked to sun damage. In a candid reflection, Hamilton acknowledged the role that sun exposure and lifestyle choices in her youth may have played. “I remember in my twenties, especially around the time of Atomic Kitten’s rise, going to sunbed shops was common—it was what a lot of people my age did for a confidence boost before big events or TV appearances like Top Of The Pops,” she lamented. Hamilton admitted that with her fair complexion, she was always susceptible to burning and now regrets the risks she took, especially with the use of tanning accelerators.
The singer also shared that this was not her family’s first experience with skin cancer. Her mother, Maria, was previously diagnosed with the same condition after Hamilton encouraged her to seek further medical advice for a persistent patch on her face. “She was initially told it was nothing, but I pushed her to get a referral to a dermatologist, who identified it as skin cancer straight away and arranged for removal,” Hamilton said, highlighting the importance of persistence in seeking medical advice when something feels amiss.
Following her own and her mother’s experiences, Hamilton has made significant changes to her daily routine. She is now much more diligent about sun protection and conducts regular skin checks to reduce future risks for herself and her four children. Hamilton’s story is a poignant reminder of how lifestyle choices in younger years can have serious health implications later in life—particularly around sun safety.
Atomic Kitten were at the height of their fame in the early 2000s, achieving 13 UK top 10 singles and four top 10 albums. Their hits, such as “Whole Again” and “Eternal Flame,” remain widely recognised. Hamilton formed the original trio with Kerry Katona and Liz McClarnon, with Jenny Frost later replacing Katona. The group’s success and hectic schedule meant that image was a constant focus, and Hamilton acknowledges this pressure contributed to her frequent use of sunbeds.
Hamilton’s story adds to growing evidence and public awareness regarding the impact of ultraviolet exposure and sunbed usage on skin cancer risk, particularly for individuals with fair skin types. Experts continually warn that early intervention and regular skin checks are vital for effective treatment. Hamilton urges the public not to ignore persistent or unusual changes in their skin, stating that her diagnosis might well have been missed if not for her husband’s sharp eye and her own decision to probe further.
As conversations around health, body image, and preventative care continue to gain prominence, Hamilton’s openness offers encouragement for others to prioritise skin health—regardless of age or lifestyle.
The singer’s revelations have generated considerable discussion both within the entertainment industry and among her fans, reinforcing the message that vigilance and preventative measures remain everyone’s responsibility.