Latest news with #MelanomaFocus
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
'I used sunbeds from the age of 14 - now I'm 45 with incurable cancer'
A Co Down mum is highlighting the risks associated with sunbed use, after learning she had incurable cancer at the age of 45. Allison Coates, from Bangor, went to the doctor in 2017 with a mole on her back which had become itchy. She had a biopsy which found that she had melanoma. A couple of years later, Allison found a lump under her arm and it was discovered that the melanoma had returned and spread. And in another devastating blow, last Christmas she was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma in her breast and has been told the cancer is incurable. READ MORE: Sun Awareness Week: The most common signs of skin cancer you need to watch out for READ MORE: Co Down woman's shock skin cancer diagnosis as experts issue 'mini heatwave' sunburn warning Speaking to Belfast Live, Allison said: "I started using sunbeds when I was around 14. Everyone seemed to be doing it. I used to go to a salon in Belfast every week in the summer and I even hired a sunbed to use in my house when I was 18. You got a base tan coming into the summer, and you thought you were thinking to get a tan before going on holidays, or before our sun arrived. "Any change to your skin colour is damage to your skin. I know that now. And it doesn't matter the skin type, swarthy, or pale, and change is damage. I stopped using them in my 20s and started using fake tan instead but I think the damage was already done. "I started to use fake tan, and became more aware of using suncream, but I actually thought by just putting on factor 15, I was OK. "Back in 2017, I was scratching my back, it was very itchy, and my husband took a look and said I should go to the doctor, which I did. My doctor was very good, and I was given a red flag referral. I had it cut out and it was found to be melanoma, but very early stages. "Then I had to go back and have a wider incision, and they felt at that stage that there was no further treatment needed because it was a millimetre out of what they'd normally start to treat. In 2019, I had a lump underneath my arm and it was found that melanoma had spread to my lymph. "I had an operation in October of last year, in the lead up to Christmas, and they weren't able to complete the surgery because the tumour is beside a very important artery. After that, there was a lot of swelling, and it was first thought that I had a seroma in my breast and it never really died down. "At Christmas time, I had it looked at and it had metastasised into my breast. I already had stage 4 metastatic melanoma, and it is treatment but not curable at the minute." New data released today by the charity Melanoma Focus has shown that 24% of people in Northern Ireland are using sunbeds at least once per year and 20% at least once per month. Allison has decided to share her journey, to raise awareness and to highlight the dangers associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. "My advice to anyone using sunbeds, is to protect your body," Allison added. "You only have one body, and it is very precious. The skin is the biggest organ in your body, and the one you really need to look after. You need to be protecting yourself. My mummy had said to me 'Allison, I don't think you should be doing sunbeds', and I didn't listen to her, I thought I knew better." The national survey commissioned by Melanoma Focus revealed an alarming trend of sunbed use among young people across the UK. Despite the 2011 law banning sunbeds for under 18s, the charity's research has found that 34% of young people aged 16 to 17 are using them at least once per year and 23% at least once per month, putting themselves at serious risk of skin cancers including melanoma. In addition to sunbed use, the rise in popularity of tanning nasal sprays and injections has added another layer of concern. These artificial substances include melanotan-II to stimulate the pigment cells in the skin to produce more melanin, making skin look darker. The health risks associated with these tanning methods are increasingly coming to light and no forms of melanotan-II have been approved for human use in the UK. The Melanoma Focus survey found that 16% of NI adults (and 21% of UK 16-17 year olds) say they have used nasal sprays or injections intended to intensify their tan. For more information about sunbeds and melanoma prevention visit Melanoma Focus. For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our Be lifestyle newsletter for all the latest showbiz, fashion, beauty, family features and more.
The Sun
03-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
I ruined my skin on sunbeds – I was thinking about Botox but a £15 Boots buy worked wonders on my forehead wrinkles
A BEAUTY buff has shared how she banished her forehead wrinkles for good after ageing her skin with sunbeds. Despite long being linked to cancer and banned in countries such as Australia and Brazil, sunbeds are still popular in the UK - and in fact, it seems that their use on the rise. Last year, a survey by the charity Melanoma Focus found that 28 per cent of UK adults use sunbeds, rising to a whopping 43 per cent among 18 to 25-year-olds. In another study from Skin Health Alliance, 60 per cent of young people admitted to sunbed use, with 25 per cent using them on a frequent basis. But while just one sunbed session can increase the risk of developing squamous cell skin cancer by 67 per cent, it's also worth remembering the skin ageing factor. Sunbeds emit extremely high levels of UV radiation, which damages the skin's collagen and elastin fibres, leading to wrinkles and a loss of elasticity, warned Public Health Agency. The faux golden glow can also cause increased melanin production, leading to the formation of sun spots or age spots, which can appear as dark patches on the skin. One former beauty buff, Chloe White, recently took to TikTok where she showed the damage caused by soaking up the harmful UV rays - as well as how she drastically improved the appearance of her skin. ''I used to use the sunbeds and it aged my skin a lot quicker than I wanted to,'' the young woman said in the video where she also shared a snap of her wrinkly forehead. As well as saying goodbye to sunbeds, Chloe began to take better care of her skin - which also included using retinol. Ideal to start incorporating into your routine as you approach your mid to late 20s, retinol increases skin cell production. As well as unclogging pores, it also exfoliates your skin and increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a fresher, plump appearance. While the high street is full of different retinols to suit every budget, there are also more affordable options - such as The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion Serum, £15.20 at Boots. ''Look at my forehead now - compare to that picture. ''I was actually thinking about getting Botox and I thought 'Before I start injecting my face with things, why don't I just try this?' ''And it was worked so, so unbelievably well for tightening up my skin.'' The blonde beauty went on: ''The only thing that I didn't know when I started using it is that you do have to wear SP F as well, because it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. ''But yeah, it's worked amazing compared to what my wrinkles used to look like,'' said Chloe, adding it too her just two weeks to see results. ''I actually promise I have no filter on my skin, my sister in law came over and she's in her 30's BEST SKIN EVER and that's what she said she uses, never looked back,'' said the TikTok who posts under the username @ Risks of sunbeds THE promise of a constant glowing tan is too tempting for some people to deny. But while popping to the sunbed shop may seem harmless, people who use tanning beds should be aware of the risks. Approximately 10 per cent of the population of Northern Europe use sunbeds on a regular basis, the World Health Organization says. Some people use them for years on end, accumulating risk of serious disease. We are here to give you the lowdown on sunbeds and if they are safe to use. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), sunbeds are as dangerous as smoking. Like the sun, they give out harmful UV rays that damage the DNA in your skin cells. Over time, this may lead to malignant melanoma - the deadliest form of skin cancer - studies have shown. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), there is significant evidence to show that using tanning beds causes melanoma. They report that sunbeds increase the risk of skin cancer by up to 20 per cent, and also state that they have no positive benefits to our health. Cancer Research back this statistic, adding that " there is no such thing as a safe tan from UV radiation". One study found that sunbeds can almost double the risk of cancer compared to never using them - with women 83 per cent more likely to develop the disease. While some people think tanning beds are safer than sitting out in the midday sun, according to Cancer Research, the risk is still twice as high when compared to spending the same amount of time in the Mediterranean sun at lunch time. The Sunbed Association claim there is not enough evidence to link sunbed use with melanoma, adding: "It is over-exposure and burning that will increase a risk of skin cancer, not responsible UV exposure." But the WHO says: "The majority of tanning parlours provide inadequate advice to their customers. "The use of eye protection such as goggles or sunglasses should be mandatory. "However, as sunbed users aim to have an even tan, they often decide against protecting any part of their body." Referring to the link with skin cancer, the world health experts add: "Sunbeds for self-tanning purposes have been available for the last two decades and due to the long latency period for skin cancer and eye damage it has been difficult so far to demonstrate any long-term health effects. "Even though the causes of malignant melanoma are not fully understood, tumour development appears to be linked to occasional exposure to intense sunlight. "Sunbeds subject their users to intermittent high exposures of UVA and UVB radiation – this may provide the ideal setting for the development of malignant skin cancer. "However, the few epidemiological studies that have been carried out to date have not provided any consistent results." Despite the WHO's cautious stance on the skin cancer link, it discourages the use of sunbeds, quoting an expert who said the use of tanning parlours is like "an industrial-scale radiation exposure experiment". Regardless of skin cancer, sunbeds don't just have long-term health risks. Users have reported a range of short-term symptoms including itching, dryness and redness of skin, freckling and photosensitivity. Common outcomes in the longer term, especially in fair-skinned people, may involve blistering of the skin. " Sagging and wrinkling of the skin are an almost certain price to be paid by frequent sunbed users", the WHO says - not quite the outcome you hope for when going to the sunbed shop for a beautiful, youthful look. How to use retinol? The beauty bag must-have, a form of vitamin A, is to be added to your evening skincare routine - and never in the morning. Before you use a retinol product for the first time, do a patch test on a small area of your skin to see if you have any negative reactions. If, after a couple of days, your skin patch isn't very red or itchy, you can safely add it to the skincare regimen. Fabulous' Beauty Editor, Tara Ledden, explained how to safely use this beauty bag must-have to reap the benefits. Once you wash your face in the morning, pile on the nourishing products, too. The golden rule is that less is more. Less product - a pea-sized amount should cover your whole face, using more won't make it work faster - and less frequently. Start with one night a week, then after a few weeks, once you know your skin is tolerating it, scale up to twice a week for a few more weeks and so on. Don't be disheartened if your skin can only handle it every other night, you'll still be reaping the rewards and it's better to use it consistently over a longer period than ramp it up and have to take a break because your skin reacts. Avoid sensitive areas, like around your eyes and lips, as that's almost guaranteed to cause problems, and our skin is porous so enough of the product will creep towards both when applied further away. If you're impatient, retinal works faster than retinol - yes, one letter makes all the difference. Both have to convert into retinoic acid before unleashing their skincare benefits, and the former is one step further in that process, which many dermatologists I've spoken to mean it's also kinder to skin, and better tolerated by those of us with sensitive complexions.
The Irish Sun
03-06-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
I ruined my skin on sunbeds – I was thinking about Botox but a £15 Boots buy worked wonders on my forehead wrinkles
A BEAUTY buff has shared how she banished her forehead wrinkles for good after ageing her skin with sunbeds. Despite long being linked to cancer and banned in countries such as Australia and Brazil, Advertisement 2 Former sunbed user Chloe shared the shocking skin damage on TikTok - and how she got rid of the deep lines for good Credit: TIKTOK/@ 2 According to the beauty buff, it's all thanks to a bargain product Credit: TIKTOK/@ Last year, a survey by the charity Melanoma Focus found that use sunbeds, rising to a whopping 43 per cent among 18 to 25-year-olds. In another from Skin Health Alliance, 60 per cent of young people admitted to sunbed use, with 25 per cent using them on a frequent basis. But while just one sunbed session can increase the risk of developing squamous cell skin cancer by 67 per cent , it's also worth remembering the skin ageing factor. Sunbeds emit extremely high levels of UV radiation, which damages the skin's collagen and elastin fibres, leading to wrinkles and a loss of elasticity, Advertisement read more on beauty The One former beauty buff, Chloe White, recently took to TikTok where she showed the damage caused by soaking up the harmful UV rays - as well as how she drastically improved the appearance of her skin. ''I used to use the sunbeds and it aged my skin a lot quicker than I wanted to,'' the young woman said in As well as saying goodbye to sunbeds, Chloe began to take better care of her skin - which also included using retinol. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Ideal to start incorporating into your routine as you approach your mid to late 20s, retinol increases skin cell production. As well as unclogging pores, it also exfoliates your skin and increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a fresher, plump appearance. Tan fan shows off shocking damage after just 15 minutes on a sunbed While the high street is full of different retinols to suit every budget, there are also more affordable options - such as The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion Serum, £15.20 at Boots. ''Look at my forehead now - compare to that picture. Advertisement ''I was actually thinking about getting ''And it was worked so, so unbelievably well for tightening up my skin.'' The blonde beauty went on: ''The only thing that I didn't know when I started using it is that you do have to wear SPF as well, because it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. ''But yeah, it's worked amazing compared to what my wrinkles used to look like,'' said Chloe, adding it too her just two weeks to see results. Advertisement ''I actually promise I have no filter on my skin, my sister in law came over and she's in her 30's BEST SKIN EVER and that's what she said she uses, never looked back,'' said the TikTok who posts under the username @ Risks of sunbeds THE promise of a constant glowing tan is too tempting for some people to deny. But while popping to the sunbed shop may seem harmless, people who use tanning beds should be aware of the risks. Approximately 10 per cent of the population of Northern Europe use sunbeds on a regular basis, the World Health Organization says. Some people use them for years on end, accumulating risk of serious disease. We are here to give you the lowdown on sunbeds and if they are safe to use. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), sunbeds are as dangerous as smoking. Like the sun, they give out harmful UV rays that damage the DNA in your skin cells. Over time, this may lead to malignant According to the They report that sunbeds increase the risk of skin cancer by up to 20 per cent, and also state that they have no positive benefits to our health. Cancer Research back this statistic, adding that " there is no such thing as a safe tan from UV radiation". One study found that sunbeds can almost While some people think tanning beds are safer than sitting out in the midday sun, according to The Sunbed Association claim there is not enough evidence to link sunbed use with melanoma, adding: "It is over-exposure and But the WHO says: "The majority of tanning parlours provide inadequate advice to their customers. "The use of eye protection such as goggles or sunglasses should be mandatory. "However, as sunbed users aim to have an even tan, they often decide against protecting any part of their body." Referring to the link with skin cancer, the world health experts add: "Sunbeds for self-tanning purposes have been available for the last two decades and due to the long latency period for "Even though the causes of malignant melanoma are not fully understood, tumour development appears to be linked to occasional exposure to intense sunlight. "Sunbeds subject their users to intermittent high exposures of UVA and UVB radiation – this may provide the ideal setting for the development of malignant skin cancer. "However, the few epidemiological studies that have been carried out to date have not provided any consistent results." Despite the WHO's cautious stance on the skin cancer link, it discourages the use of sunbeds, quoting an expert who said the use of tanning parlours is like "an industrial-scale radiation exposure experiment". Regardless of skin cancer, sunbeds don't just have long-term health risks. Users have reported a range of short-term symptoms including itching, dryness and redness of skin, freckling and photosensitivity. Common outcomes in the longer term, especially in fair-skinned people, may involve blistering of the skin. " How to use retinol? The beauty bag must-have, a form of vitamin A, is to be added to your evening skincare routine - and never in the morning. Before you use a retinol product for the first time, do a patch test on a small area of your skin to see if you have any negative reactions. If, after a couple of days, your skin patch isn't very red or itchy, you can safely add it to the skincare regimen. Advertisement Fabulous' Beauty Editor, Once you wash your face in the morning, pile on the nourishing products, too. The golden rule is that less is more. Less product - a pea-sized amount should cover your whole face, using more won't make it work faster - and less frequently. Start with one night a week, then after a few weeks, once you know your skin is tolerating it, scale up to twice a week for a few more weeks and so on. Advertisement Don't be disheartened if your skin can only handle it every other night, you'll still be reaping the rewards and it's better to use it consistently over a longer period than ramp it up and have to take a break because your skin reacts. Avoid sensitive areas, like around your eyes and lips, as that's almost guaranteed to cause problems, and our skin is porous so enough of the product will creep towards both when applied further away. If you're impatient, retinal works faster than retinol - yes, one letter makes all the difference. Both have to convert into retinoic acid before unleashing their skincare benefits, and the former is one step further in that process, which many dermatologists I've spoken to mean it's also kinder to skin, and better tolerated by those of us with sensitive complexions. Advertisement
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
‘Dangerous' nasal tanning sprays linked to killer cancer – as Brits issued warning
NASAL tanning sprays may increase the risk of melanoma skin cancer, it's been warned. The sprays - often sold on social media - claim to accelerate tanning and are often sniffed prior to sunbed use, a known risk for skin cancer. 4 Costing from £20 to £35, they are a hit with younger people and have become a social media phenomenon. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) is urging the public to avoid any tanning product that is 'inhaled or ingested'. It says side effects include nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, and changes in mole shape and size. Coughing, sneezing and nasal congestion due to irritation of the respiratory tract. Other reported side effects include prolonged erections, facial flushing and changes in libido. The sprays contains a substance known as melanotan II which when inhaled, reaches the bloodstream and may stimulate melanin production. Activated melanin creates a tan but 'may also encourage abnormal skin cell changes in response to UV exposure', according to the Melanoma Fund. The process is considered unsafe melanotan II is illegal in the UK. But due to the product falling under cosmetics, rather than medicines, it is not as tightly regulated. CTSI has found accounts on sites like Facebook and TikTok selling nasal tanning sprays available in flavours such as peach, bubblegum, and grape. It fears these products are being marketed at children. Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, said: 'We're becoming increasingly concerned about the use of both nasal tanning sprays and tanning injections and their potential links with melanoma skin cancer. 'These unregulated and illegal products not only pose serious health risks but also encourage harmful behaviours, particularly among young consumers. 'We urge the public to consider the long-term impacts on their health and avoid using these substances altogether.' Gary Lipman, Chairman at the Sunbed Association, said: 'Nasal sprays have absolutely no place in a professional tanning salon. 'We fully support CTSI's campaign to heighten awareness of the dangers of using them.' 'SCARRED FOR LIFE' People using the nasal tanning sprays have publically told their stories in a bid to warn others off them. Jen Atkin, a former Miss Great Britain winner from Grimsby, Lincolnshire, says she is permanently scarred after using a nasal tanning spray she bought on Instagram. "Unfortunately, I decided to go to extra lengths and fell into the trend of nasal tan," she said. Jen used the £25 product twice and a dark brown mark appeared "out of absolutely nowhere" on her forehead, which hasn't budged since. The spray also made her feel incredibly sick. Jen described it as "actually horrific", adding: "It scared the life out of me. It made me feel so nauseous and weird." 4 4 Student Erin Rider told Fabulous she believes that a £32 nasal tanner she bought on TikTok caused her skin to erupt in painful spots, which have left permanent scarring. She said: 'The spots turned out to be cystic acne. I never linked the spots to the nasal sprays but when I put two and two together and Googled possible side-effects, I stopped taking it immediately. 'The acne eventually turned into pigmentation and my forehead was patchy with visible white marks. 'I would never leave the house without heavy make-up. I didn't want to see people because of how awful my skin was. Five months on, it's wrecked my skin for ever. The scarring is permanent." What is melanoma, what are the symptoms and how can you prevent it? Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer that has a tendency to spread around the body. It is diagnosed 16,000 times per year, and tragically takes the lives of 2,340 people per year. The number of people being diagnosed with melanoma is increasing, and it is the 5th most common cancer in the UK. But it is also one of the most preventable cancers, with 86 per cent of cases in the UK avoidable. The best way to protect yourself from melanoma is to be sun safe - wear SPF every day, wear a hat and sunglasses and keep out of the sun in the hottest hours. It is also advised to avoid sunbeds. People who are fair-skinned, have blue or green eyes, blonde or red hair and a large number of freckles or moles are more likely to get skin cancer. Surgery is the main treatment for melanoma, particularly if it is found early. This will involve removing the affected tissue in the skin. Radiotherapy, medicines and chemotherapy are also sometimes used to try and stop the cancer from growing. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease. What are the symptoms? The key thing to look out for are changes to an existing mole, or a new mole on your skin. Most experts recommend using the simple 'ABCDE' rule to look for symptoms of melanoma skin cancer, which can appear anywhere on the body. There are five letters/words to remember: A symmetrical – melanomas usually have two very different halves and are an irregular shape B order – melanomas usually have a notched or ragged border C olours – melanomas will usually be a mix of two or more colours D iameter – most melanomas are usually larger than 6mm in diameter E nlargement or elevation – a mole that changes size over time is more likely to be a melanoma A mole that changes size, shape or colour may be a melanoma. But other signs to look out for include moles that are: Swollen and sore Bleeding Itchy Crusty How deadly is it? Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer. The outlook of a person's disease depends on the stage of the cancer when it was diagnosed. Survival is better for women than it is for men. 'We don't know exactly why this is. It may be because women are more likely to see a doctor about their melanoma at an earlier stage,' says Cancer Research UK. The charity says that generally, statistics show that in England, more than 85 out of every 100 people (more than 85 per cent) will survive their melanoma for 10 years or more after they are diagnosed. Around 100 per cent in England diagnosed with melanoma at stage 1 - when the cancer cells are only in the top layer of skin - will survive for five years or more after drops to 80 per cent for stage 2. Some 70 per cent live for a further five years when they are diagnosed in stage 3, which is when the cancer has started to spread to nearby lymph nodes. At stage 4, when the melanoma has spread elsewhere in the body, almost 30 per cent survive their cancer for 5 years or more. Cancer Research says the stage 4 data does not account for age differences. Age can affect outlook and younger people have a better prognosis than older people. Age can affect outlook and younger people have a better prognosis than older people. What is melanoma? Melanocytes are cells in the skin that give us the colour of our skin because they produce a pigment, known as melanin. When you sit in the sun, melanocytes produce more pigment (a sun tan), which spreads to other skin cells to protect them from the sun's rays. But melanocytes are also where cancer starts. Too much UV causes sunburn, and this is a sign of damage to the skin's DNA. The UV triggers changes in the melanocytes, which makes the genetic material become faulty and cause abnormal cell growth. People who burn easily are more at risk of skin cancer because their cells do not produce as much pigment to protect their skin. Those with albinism are at the most risk because their skin produces no pigment at all.
Scotsman
12-05-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Scots urged to check for early signs of skin cancer
Scots are being urged to check their skin and moles more closely than ever this Skin Cancer Awareness Month, using an easy-to-remember ABCDEF guide to spot potential signs of skin cancer early. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Dr Ben Aldridge, a leading skin cancer expert and the UK's only consultant in both plastic surgery and dermatology, warns that while many people look out for dark or black moles, those with fairer complexions should be just as concerned about red, evolving, or unusual marks. Recent findings from Melanoma Focus reveal that 35% of Scots rarely or never use sunscreen, and 31% have used sunbeds, both contributing factors to the increasing incidence of melanoma in Scotland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dr Aldridge, a consulting surgeon at Waterfront Private Hospital, said: 'In a Scottish population, we see a high number of people with fair skin, and red lesions can often be more concerning than black ones. Waterfront Private Hospital, Granton 'The key is vigilance - if something looks or feels different, get it checked.' The ABCDEF guide offers a simple checklist for identifying changes in the skin: A – Asymmetry : Irregularly shaped moles could be an early warning sign. : Irregularly shaped moles could be an early warning sign. B – Border : Watch for uneven or jagged edges on a mole. : Watch for uneven or jagged edges on a mole. C – Colour : Multiple or unusual colours in a mole, such as reds, whites, or blues, should be flagged. : Multiple or unusual colours in a mole, such as reds, whites, or blues, should be flagged. D – Diameter : Moles larger than 6mm need careful monitoring. : Moles larger than 6mm need careful monitoring. E – Evolving : Any mole that changes in size, shape, or colour, or becomes itchy, painful, or starts to bleed, needs expert attention. : Any mole that changes in size, shape, or colour, or becomes itchy, painful, or starts to bleed, needs expert attention. F – Funny-looking moles: Moles that don't match others on your body or look unusual should always be assessed. The expert also emphasised that while dark moles often grab attention, the unique risks for Scots make red, evolving lesions just as critical to detect. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad L-R Kazem Nassar and Ben Aldridge are urging Scots to check for signs of skin cancer Dr Aldridge added: 'The mantra is simple: if in doubt, get it checked out. Early detection of skin cancer can save lives and minimise the need for complex surgical treatments.' Skin cancer rates in Scotland are on the rise, with growing concerns about long NHS waiting lists delaying diagnoses and treatment with approximately 1,200 new melanoma diagnoses annually. Waterfront Private Hospital is helping tackle the issue by offering Scotland's most advanced private skin cancer service, providing same-day consultations, biopsies, and surgeries all under one roof. Dr Aldridge, who leads the skin-cancer team at the clinic has spent years perfecting techniques to not only treat skin cancer effectively but also ensure the best possible cosmetic results. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He said: 'We've designed a service that combines dermatology and plastic surgery expertise in one consultation, removing the stress and delays of multiple appointments. 'Our goal is to be the definitive place for private skin cancer care, making a real difference to patients' lives.'
