Northern Trust issues skin cancer warning as Coleraine woman shares melanoma scare

Colette Sloan from Coleraine

People across Northern Ireland are being urged not to ignore unusual moles or skin changes as the Northern Health and Social Care Trust marks Skin Cancer Awareness Month with a fresh warning about the dangers of delayed diagnosis.

The Trust has teamed up with a local woman who discovered a suspicious mole after returning from holiday, as health professionals stress that early detection of skin cancer can save lives.

Melanoma, while less common than other forms of skin cancer, is considered the most serious because it can spread to other parts of the body if not caught early.

Health officials are now encouraging the public to become more familiar with their skin, stay alert to changes and seek medical advice quickly if something does not look right.

Coleraine woman shares warning after diagnosis

Colette Sloan from Coleraine decided to contact her GP after noticing a new mole on the back of her upper arm that looked different from others on her body.

“I noticed I had a new mole on the back of my upper arm, and it was different to other moles on my body, as it was quite brown and black in colour and uneven around the edges,” she said.

After returning from holiday, Colette was referred to dermatology for further investigation.

She is now speaking publicly about her experience to encourage others not to dismiss possible warning signs.

“Early detection is so important, so please seek medical advice, and if it turns out to be nothing, well at least you have peace of mind,” she said.

Simple steps can reduce risk

The Northern Trust says protecting skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays remains one of the most important ways to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Health officials are encouraging people to take simple precautions during warmer weather and while spending time outdoors.

Advice includes:

• Wearing protective clothing

• Using sunscreen with SPF 30 or above and a UV rating of four or higher

• Seeking shade between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest

• Wearing a wide-brimmed hat to protect the ears and neck

• Using sunglasses with a CE mark

• Avoiding the use of sunbeds

The warning comes as many families across Northern Ireland begin spending more time outdoors heading into the summer months.

Specialist nurse stresses importance of early action

Amy Arthurs, Skin Cancer Specialist Nurse with the Trust, said people do not need complicated routines to help protect themselves.

“There are some really simple steps people can take to protect their skin in the sun, and it is important that everyone is aware of these measures,” she explained.

She also stressed that recognising changes early can dramatically improve outcomes for patients.

“When found early, skin cancer is highly treatable. Awareness is the first step in prevention, and early detection can save lives,” Amy added.

Skin cancer mainly includes three types — basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

As Skin Cancer Awareness Month continues throughout May, the Trust is encouraging people across the region to check their skin regularly and act quickly if they notice new moles, changes in colour, uneven edges, bleeding, itching or anything unusual.

For more information and support involving skin cancer, visit: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/skin-cancer