Ex-cancer patient calls for vigilance

AFORMER patient at Beechwood is helping raise awareness of skin cancer.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and Rachel Crowther has joined forces with Beechwood to ensure people are vigilant when it comes to checking out changes on their body.

The 36-year-old, who lives with her partner Rick and daughter Jayde in Cheadle Heath, was diagnosed with Conjunctiva Melanoma, a form of eye cancer, after undergoing an operation for a squint.

After successful chemotherapy, Rachel was able to return to work in April 2013 but just three months later she visited her GP concerned over a mole on her leg.

Rachel said: “The mole was removed and the biopsy confirmed a malignant melanoma. If it wasn’t for being extra vigilant after my eye cancer, my skin cancer could have been missed.

“I would encourage everyone to always wear a high factor sun cream, not only abroad but at home as well, to protect against the sun.

“The number of people you see with sunburn after a lovely British summer’s day is frightening. And always wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.”

Sam Parkin, clinical manager at Beechwood Cancer Care Centre in Bridgehall, encourages people to visit their doctor if they see any unusual changes to their skin.

She said: “The incidence of skin cancer is rising and is now the fifth most common cancer in the UK.

“As with most cancers early detection is the key to positive outcomes. If you notice anything unusual in your skin that doesn’t go away after a month it’s important to consult your doctor.

“Taking a photo can help you check if anything changes.”

Sam says there are a number of ways to help reduce the risk of skin cancer including avoiding sunburn and tanning, including tanning beds, seeking out shade when possible, use an SPF 30 or above sun screen and reapplying it every two hours, wear protective clothing such as long sleeved tops and pants, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses, and take extra care near water, snow and sand as they reflect the sun’s rays.

Rachel says she has Beechwood to thank for helping her through her diagnosis and treatments.

She added: “I felt very isolated after being diagnosed but I learnt to deal with this thanks to Beechwood and my confidence has improved enormously.”