IF YOU HAVE HAD SKIN CANCER

Here are some important tips and facts to remember after your skin cancer diagnosis:

1. The vast majority of patients who have a skin cancer diagnosed do not need any special tests after a diagnosis of skin cancers such as basal cell cancer (BCC), squamous cell cancer (SCC) or melanoma. Certainly, unlike lots of other cancers such as breast, bowel or prostate, no special blood tests or X-Rays, CT scans or MRI's are required unless the cancer is very advanced.
2. Patients with skin cancer are at risk of further skin cancers. Those who have had melanoma are at a higher risk of getting further skin melanomas as well as BCC's and SCC's.
3. We recommend that all patients who have had a skin cancer diagnosed should be checked 6 monthly for 3 years, except for those that have an invasive melanoma who should be checked 3 monthly during the first year after treatment and then 6 monthly for a couple of years. The check should include a check of the wound site and scar, any local lymph node/glands if appropriate and certainly a regular check of the rest of the skin. 
4. We do send reminders to patients that their skin check is due but it is a good idea to make a note in your diary when your next check is due.
5. Of course it is important to check your own skin regularly anyway. Take a look at this page on our website to show you how to check your own skin
6. Remember that it's also been proven that regular sun protection after a diagnosis of skin cancer, at any age, helps prevent further skin cancers so check out the range of sunscreens available in the clinic.