VitalSigns Wellness™

Malignant Melanoma is the 5th most common cancer overall in the UK. Early detection through screening is vital in order to fight the cancer, especially the serious type which is Malignant Melanoma – 'Early detection saves lives'

SOME FACTS ABOUT SKIN CANCER IN THE UK

 

• Around 15,400 people are diagnosed with melanoma in the UK each year compared to 5,600 20 years ago. An increase of 120% (Cancer Research 2016)

• It is now the second most common cancer in people between the ages of 20 – 40 years (Cancer Research UK)

• More people die from skin cancer in the UK than in Australia (SKCIN 2015)

• The number of over 55 year olds being diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma has trebled in the last 20 years and it is the fastest growing cancer across all ages. (Cancer Research UK). Melanoma can also grow behind the eyes, in the mouth, on palms, soles of feet, genitals etc.

• Skin Cancer is now the most common cancer within the UK (Cancer Research UK 2016). Over 80% of all skin cancers are caused by over-exposure to UV radiation from the sun and/or sunbeds – that means that the majority of all skin cancers are preventable by undertaking simple sun safety measures. (SKCin 2016)

 

Even with skin cancer prevalence increasing, there is still no general screening programme in the UK for skin cancer.

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Onsite skin cancer assessments normally take around 25 minutes and are led by a dermatology nurse. The nurse will initially check your body using a dermatoscope, and where appropriate will use specialist non invasive skin imaging technology called Dermlight Handyscope. The Handyscope enables the nurse to use FotoFinder’s artificial intelligence (AI) to make an assessment and where appropriate a second opinion service will be provided from a recognised dermoscopist. The results are then included into a personalised report.

 

If there is nothing suspicious this will be advised at the time of screening, however, depending on the personal risk factors there may be recommendation to have moles scanned periodically.

 

If something appears to warrant further attention you will be referred to your GP to discuss whether you need to see a specialist. 

 

The whole process is safe, fast and non invasive. Please note that this service, when we use the Dermlight Handyscope, is not suitable for people with pacemakers due to potential magnetic interference.   

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