Nine out of 10 cases of melanoma are avoidable and the message from Melanoma Focus is clear; prevention and early detection saves lives. Melanoma Focus CEO, Susanna Daniels has said ‘Dermatologists are reporting thicker melanomas at diagnosis due to delayed presentation to the NHS during Covid. These melanomas are much more complex to treat. It is imperative that if you are worried about your skin to check it out as soon as possible.’
A series of sun safety videos featuring the charity’s Sun Safety Ambassador have been published to remind the general public of the simple steps they can take to dramatically reduce their risk of developing the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Melanoma Focus provides information and support to patients and professionals and has seen up to a ten-fold increase in calls to its free Melanoma Helpline run by expert skin cancer nurse specialists over the last year.
Get to know your skin
It’s a good idea to know your own skin, it makes any changes to moles or lesions much easier to detect. Many melanomas develop on normal skin; this is not as well-known as it should be. Others develop in an existing mole. Melanoma can occur anywhere on the skin including the palms and soles, the scalp or under and around the nails. In females it is most common on the lower limbs, in males on the trunk of the body.
A great FREE tool that can help you monitor your skin is the Melanoma Focus skin check leaflet - download it here.
As well as helping you to monitor your own skin for any changes, the leaflet gives you some key signs to look out for and an easy means of recording what you see. By making regular observations you can help catch changes early.
Anyone who is concerned about a mole, lesion or any changes in their skin should contact their GP as soon as possible. The Melanoma Helpline is also available to anyone in the UK with questions or concerns about melanoma: 0808 801 0777 (open 1-2pm Monday to Friday and 7-9pm Sunday to Friday).
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