THERE ARE 14,445 NEW MELANOMA CASES IN THE UK EACH YEAR***
‘I’m so much more vigilant now’
‘Check your body once a month,’ says Dr Mahto. Study your moles in a well-lit room using a full-length mirror. Ask a trusted person to look at hard-to-see
areas.
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Denise Palmerdavies, 42, from Surrey.
About four years ago, I noticed I had a small, flat mole on my back, which kept on growing. After about a year, I went to see my GP, but I was told it was nothing. I went again after having my second child, as it had grown significantly, but was told it was a skin infection. I then asked a friend, a skin specialist, to take a look. He told me to see my GP again. And on this occasion, I explained it was now irritating me. I also said that my mum had melanoma three times and my grandfather died from skin cancer. This time, pictures were taken of the mole and sent to Dermatology. Less than 24 hours later, I was called, as they believed it was a type of skin cancer – it was removed less than a week later.
I would urge anyone who is worried, to monitor their moles by taking regular photos. My experience made me more vigilant. I cover up as much as possible and always make sure my family and I wear SPF50 – even in hard-to-reach areas.
I know it’s difficult right now, when you can’t always see your GP due to lockdown, but don’t put off getting a mole checked. Try to talk to your GP or dermatologist over Zoom.
I’ve always loved a tan and how healthy it can make you look, but my tan now comes from a bottle.
Covering up makes sense to avoid skin cancer risks, but you could be missing out on an essential nutrient. ‘Sunlight should be the body’s main natural source of vitamin D, but levels of deficiency in the UK are high,’ says Mike Wakeman, clinical pharmacist at vitmedics.com. Research by the University of Manchester advises the following, Mike explains: Lighter skin: ‘Daily sunlight exposure of unprotected skin for just 10-15 minutes in spring and summer should provide adequate vitamin D.’ Darker skin: ‘Around 25-40 minutes of exposure in the UK is recommended. Levels of exposure that make skin look pink or sunburnt – during or after exposure – should always be avoided.’ Light or sensitive skin? ‘See your GP about alternative sources of vitamin D.’ Mike adds that it’s best to go out at midday, with lower arms and legs exposed to maximise benefit.