Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world, therefore not only is May Skin Cancer Awareness Month in the UK, it’s also World Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month.
Today's blog is dedicated to a dear friend of ours, Adele, who was diagnosed with skin cancer last year during the pandemic. We are so grateful to Adele for sharing her story with us and raising awareness about the seriousness of checking ourselves and seeking attention.
Adele was diagnosed with Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) last year after pushing her GP to look at the moles on her back and stomach. Adele also pushed for them to check over a scar that had formed after she sustained a tick bite in Sri Lanka 10 years ago. She has never used sun beds in her life and has always tried to protect her freckly skin, but felt that her scar had changed over the last year (See below)
I say the word “Push” as initially the GP was very quick to say “Oh these look fine, and your scar just looks like healed scar tissue." But Adele “pushed” for a referral to see a dermatologist as she had noticed changes and altered sensation around the areas on her back.
After taking biopsies Adele was diagnosed with skin cancer at various sites on her body. X2 back & x1 place on her stomach. The main site that was of concern was the scar tissue that had formed following her bite. This was the Sarcoma and they were worried how far it had spread to surround cells. She underwent surgery to remove deep layers of her skin until they had a cleared the cancerous cells within each layer of skin. ( See below‼️graphic picture‼️)
Adele is now been discharged from the plastics and the oncology team with life long open door referral into the team should she find any other unusual sensations or changes to her skin in the future.
Mentally and physically Adele has battled to come to terms with her diagnosis. Her scars tell her story and are a message to everyone that you should not ignore your body.
If you feel you need your skin checked then DO IT! Don’t waste time and sit around on it!!
Cancer is no joke in any form, but remember your skin is the biggest organ in the body. Protect it from UV radiation, look after it, check it, if in doubt seek attention!
SREAD AWARENESS | GET TALKING | SEEK ATTENTION
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