'A little itch turned out to be skin cancer'
The head of hospitality in Herm said "it was a little itchy" every so often but otherwise caused him no trouble.
A visit to the doctor confirmed it was a melanoma that had grown rapidly under the skin.
"Don't think that little itch is nothing because it's what's underneath is the problem, not what's on top," he said. "It came back to haunt me."
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Mr Jones said he was now a "breast less" after the 4.5 inch melanoma under his right nipple needed to be removed.
He said the growth on his chest "changed colour and it began to be quite an annoyance".
He got checked over at the hospital and was told it had been there "an awful long time" and it had grown significantly under his skin.
An operation which saw the full removal of his right breast.
Mr Jones said: "It had been growing quite rapidly underneath the skin, so therefore it wasn't treatable with a small incision, it had to be taken out completely."
The melanoma was successfully cut out but Mr Johns said he still goes for regular check-ups.
He urged visitors to the island to take responsibility of their safety in the sun.
"I'm personally more aware of that than anyone else because I have fallen foul to not protecting myself," he said.
"Don't hesitate, get that sun cream on, and if you've got an itch, get it checked.
"It's everyone's personal responsibility and it's really important for you to bring some protection with you [to the island]."
This story is part of BBC Guernsey's Sun Safety Campaign.
Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.
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Cruciferous vegetables Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and many other vegetables in the Brassica genus. While they vary in nutritional content, this family of vegetables is known for being rich in glucosinolates, plant compounds with anticancer effects. In addition to potentially protecting against certain types of cancer, research suggests that diets high in glucosinolates may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases including high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Like dark leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables are low in calories yet high in fiber, folate and vitamins C and K. Broccoli sprouts are one of Katz's top superfood recommendations. According to Katz, "Broccoli sprouts [are] the most potent natural source of sulforaphane, a compound that activates a transcription factor called NRF2. NRF2 is a critical regulator of cellular defense, detoxification and oxidative stress. 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Avocados' healthy fats and vitamin A can help keep skin smooth and healthy. Avocados are full of fiber, which helps keep digestion regular and pleases your appetite. The vitamin E in avocados can help support healthy aging and protect against age-related eye damage," explains Margulies. Avocados are also a great way to add a creamy, satisfying texture to meals, making them a good substitute for cheese or higher-fat condiments in sandwiches. 7. Legumes Legumes are plant-based foods that include beans, lentils, peas, soybeans, alfalfa and peanuts. As a dietitian, they're one of my favorite superfoods. Not only are legumes widely available, but they're also shelf-stable and affordable, making them a realistic option for virtually any budget. Legumes, especially beans and lentils, are rich in fiber, B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, potassium and iron. They're also a great source of plant-based protein. Regular consumption of legumes has been linked with a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, including breast and prostate cancer. Because of their high fiber content, legumes may also help with achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Just keep in mind that most legumes should be cooked before eating. Not only does cooking make them easier to digest, but it also reduces compounds in legumes that can interfere with the absorption of other nutrients. 8. Sweet potatoes Delicious roasted or mashed, sweet potatoes are another budget-friendly option worthy of the superfood title. According to Manaker, "Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C, both of which are potent antioxidants that help support the immune system and maintain healthy skin. Additionally, sweet potatoes are a source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. The presence of significant amounts of manganese supports bone health and metabolism. Moreover, sweet potatoes contain various other important nutrients, such as potassium. Their lower glycemic index and anti-inflammatory properties further enhance their status as a superfood." 9. Fermented dairy Fermented dairy products, particularly yogurt and kefir, are excellent sources of probiotics and calcium. In addition to supporting gut health, fermented dairy has been linked with benefits for bone and heart health and may also help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes and certain forms of cancer. When selecting yogurt or kefir, look for options that are low in or free of added sugars. Greek- and Icelandic-style yogurts in particular can be good choices because they tend to be higher in protein and lower in sugar than traditional flavored yogurt. 10. Tofu Tofu is one of the best plant-based protein options made of condensed soy milk. In addition to containing all nine essential amino acids (making it a complete protein), tofu offers an impressive lineup of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, selenium, manganese, zinc, magnesium and iron. However, most of tofu's health benefits are attributed to its high isoflavone content. Isoflavones are natural plant compounds that have been linked with a reduced risk of osteoporosis and certain types of cancer, including breast and endometrial cancer. Dietitian Amy Brownstein lists tofu as one of her top two superfoods. "It is a great source of calcium, iron and protein. Plus, it is incredibly versatile: blend it in smoothies, soups or sauces for a nutrition boost." 11. Green tea While not technically a food, green tea rounds out our list of best superfoods for its impressive concentration of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Green tea is particularly known for being rich in epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant that may protect against chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain forms of cancer. Studies suggest that green tea may also be helpful for weight loss. There's a wide variety of green teas, including matcha powder. Unlike regular green tea, plants used for matcha are grown away from direct sunlight, producing a higher concentration of antioxidants. (Back to top) FAQs Are superfood powders as good as whole foods? While superfood powders may offer a more concentrated source of specific nutrients, it's unknown whether they provide the same health benefits as whole foods. It's also important to keep in mind that they're typically lower in fiber and other beneficial nutrients present in whole foods. Ultimately, while superfood powders can help bridge nutrient gaps, they aren't a replacement for whole foods in a balanced diet. Can superfoods help with weight loss? Lisa Andrews explains that superfoods can be helpful for losing weight when paired with a reduced-calorie diet. "Superfoods may aid with weight loss by providing low-fat sources of protein or good sources of fiber to help a person feel fuller. In addition, if you're eating more vegetables or sources of lean protein, you're likely eating less ultra-processed, high-calorie foods," says Andrews. Are superfoods worth the hype? According to Julie Lichtman, "Superfoods deserve attention for their nutritional benefits but they're not the end-all, be-all of healthy eating. They can be a helpful boost, but the real magic happens when you combine them with a varied, whole food diet. So yes, they're worth it — but keep the bigger picture in mind." (Back to top) Meet our experts Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, LD, founder of Sound Bites Nutrition, Ohio Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN, owner of Nutrition Digested, Utah Megan Huff, RDN of Nutrition by Megan, Maryland Johannah Katz, MA, RD, LDN, Florida Julie Lichtman, RD, LDN, Philadelphia Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN LD, Charleston, S.C. Amy Margulies, RD, CDCES, LDN, NBC-HWC, nutrition expert and owner of the Rebellious RD, Philadelphia Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
