Dr Ross Perry on Skin Cancer in The Times

Cosmedics’ Dr Ross Perry was quoted in The Times feature on skin cancer, “I didn’t worship the sun – I still got cancer”.

The story serves as a timely reminder to those Brits who don’t consider themselves sun worshippers, but are nonetheless at risk due to day to day exposure to the sun’s rays.

Dr Ross Perry explained:

“I see patients who are sun-aware but who still sneakily want to get a tan.

“There’s this slightly perverse aspect we have about ourselves in the UK, where we are still happy to take that risk, still happy to head to the park at lunchtime with no protection when the sun come out.”

The feature gave the story of a patient who had been diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) on her face after years of outdoor exercise with insufficient skin protection.

BCC is very common. A study published in the journal of Clinical and Experimental Dermatology said:

“BCC is nearly as common as all other cancers in all other body sites combined”

Statistics are also increasing, with a 70% increase in patients treated between 1999 – 2010.

Caught early, BCC can be treated using cream to freeze the tumour away, but in the case featured in The Times, the lesion had to be removed surgically in an operation involving a 2 inch incision to remove the cancer.

Cosmedics’ Medical Director Dr Ross Perry explained:

“At the next stage BCCs start to spread to the next layer of skin or stick out a bit and require surgical excision.

“It is a complicated and labour-intensive procedure done under local anaesthetic that involves removing saucer-like shape sof affected tissue.

“It is excavating the tumour as opposed to cutting it out and removes the entire cancer.”

While friends and family thought it would be a straightforward procedure, the reality involved weeks of pain and months of discomfort. The patient warns:

“It’s almost 12 months to the day since I had the operation and, while a part of my nose is still numb, my scar has healed to the point where it can be covered pretty flawlessly with make-up (SPF 50 of course).

“If you hadn’t met me before you probably wouldn’t even realise it was there, but I might tell you anyway.

“It’s not a lesson I’d want anyone to have to learn.”

Higher Risk of Skin Cancer

Dr Perry also explained that once a skin cancer has been identified, patients need to be extra vigilant:

“Once you’ve had a BCC, you’re much more likely to have another.

“You are probably also at more risk of getting a melanoma.”

Skin Checking

The story serves to underline the importance of regular skin checks, to identify any worrying or suspicious skin blemishes. Early attention always gives the best chances of a good outcome.

Any suspicious moles or blemishes should be taken to the GP as soon as possible.

Private Mole Removal

Cosmedics Skin Surgery Laser Clinic offer private mole removal at a selection of clinics based in London and Bristol. Moles are removed using the latest surgical techniques including laser mole removal; with trained doctors and surgeons. This is ideal for moles being removed for cosmetic reasons (where the NHS rarely pay) and gives patients the opportunity to choose convenient evening or weekend appointments.

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