independent Cornish news and comment

Skin cancer - get your moles checked on 10th May

Skin cancer experts at the dermatology unit at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro are once again encouraging people look after their skin and to come forward for spot checks on unusual moles and skin blemishes at a drop-in clinic during Sun Awareness Week.

“Spring is the time when we all start to think about enjoying the longer days and the sunshine,” says skin cancer nurse specialist Jo Pope, “and it’s also the time we should be thinking about protecting our skin. We’re not suggesting everyone needs to stay in doors all summer but it’s about being sensible: covering up, wearing hats and sunscreen and taking care not to burn.”

The team at the dermatology unit has been holding the hugely popular drop-in clinics for several years and is hoping this year’s event on Saturday 10 May, will be equally successful. “We need to be aware of changes to moles and blemishes at any time of the year,” explains consultant dermatologist and skin cancer lead Dr Tom Lucke. “It’s often easy to put off going to the doctor just to get a mole checked out but if a skin cancer is detected early it can be successfully treated. But, if left, the most aggressive forms of the disease can take hold very quickly and tragically we are seeing a growing number of people who die as a result of the secondary cancers they can cause.”

Perhaps the most concerning trend is the rise in the numbers of young people, 20 to 30 year olds, who are having skin cancers diagnosed. It’s now the second most common form of cancer in this age group. “Having a sun tan is a popular fashion accessory today and increasing numbers of young people take holidays and gap years abroad in sunny climates, as well as many who use sun beds to keep their tans topped up year round,” says Jo. “The damage that causes to the skin builds up over time and it’s not surprising we are seeing more skin cancers in younger people.”

A recent survey by the British Association of Dermatologists revealed that half of respondents would not recognise the signs of a possible skin cancer and a quarter never check their skin for the disease.

As well as teaching people of the importance of checking their skin for cancer, the association hope to highlight that people can get moles they are concerned about looked at free of charge through the NHS, and are not obliged to pay to do so at a private clinic.

That is why this year Sun Awareness will be in Cornwall to urge the public to check their skin regularly for signs that may indicate skin cancer. The British Association of Dermatologists has launched the ABCD-Easy guide to moles to detect signs of a melanoma, look out for:

• Asymmetry - the two halves of the area may differ in shape
• Border - the edges of the area may be irregular or blurred, and sometimes show notches
• Colour - this may be uneven. Different shades of black, brown and pink may be seen
• Diameter - most melanomas are at least 6mm in diameter. Report any change in size, shape or diameter to your doctor
• Expert - if in doubt, check it out! If your GP is concerned about your skin, make sure you see a Consultant Dermatologist, the most expert person to diagnose a skin cancer. Your GP can refer you via the NHS

Maria Tabou of the British Association of Dermatologists said: “The South West region has among the highest levels of malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, in the UK. Last year a study in Cornwall found an increase of 18 percent comparing 2005 with 2003, with 134 new diagnoses in 2005 in Cornwall.

“We are therefore delighted to work with the team of experts at Royal Cornwall Hospital as part of our Sun Awareness campaign, to teach people how important it is to keep an eye on their skin for any changes and to get them checked out as early as possible.”

More than 450 people attended last year’s drop-in clinic and the specialists on hand were able to identify a number of people with skin cancers who were referred on to their GPs and subsequently cared for in the dermatology department. The majority of moles and blemishes were not cancerous, however it was highly beneficial to be able to allay peoples’ anxiety and give them advice on prevention and self examination. “For that reason we would like to encourage anyone to attend who has a concern about a mole….don’t put it off!! “ says Jo, “...and don’t forget, KEEP YOUR HAT ON!!

The drop-in clinic on Saturday 10th May is being held in the dermatology department at the Royal Cornwall Hospital from 9 am to 2 pm. (last arrivals at 13.45 please.)

Last year the dermatology team experienced a flood of people as the doors opened at 9am and this year are encouraging those coming along to try to stagger their arrival through the day to lessen the likelihood of a delay in being seeing by a doctor.