The importance of early detection of skin cancer
Every year, more than 60.000 people die from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer worldwide. In the UK, skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. But during the covid-19 pandemic, 1 out of 3 professional skin checks were missed. Dermatologists highly recommend everyone (regardless of age, gender and skin colour) to perform a head-to-toe skin self-examination once every month, along with an annual visit to the dermatologist, to increase chances of early detection. With most people not knowing what to look for when examining their skin, a group of Austrian dermatologists deliver a solution for instant skin checks with their medical app SkinScreener. Hayley Quinn from Wilmslow, UK explains how the app saved her life.
Hayley's personal story
In November 2021, Hayley Quinn from Wimslow, UK, contacted us that her Melanoma was diagnosed thanks to SkinScreener. Soon after, at the beginning of 2022, we set down with Hayley to talk about her experience with skin cancer. The 40 year old Finance Manager loves to spend time outdoors amongst nature.
It all startet when Hayley discovered a little red dot on her leg that she hadn’t noticed before. It made her suspicious and caught her attention since she has never seen the red freckle before.
When I found the mole, my intuition told me that something was wrong with it and before I went to the doctor, I scanned it with the SkinScreener app. The risk assessment of the app confirmed my bad feeling so I went to the doctor's appointment in which they removed the mole.
In November 2021, Hayley was diagnosed with stage 1 melanoma on her lower left leg. She had further operation to remove a large skin area from her leg. She also expected to have skin graft but the surgeon was extremely good and managed to operate and close leg without skin graft. The surgery left a big scar on her leg but she feels blessed she caught skin cancer early.
How and when did you find out about SkinScreener?
After Hayley found the strange looking freckle on her leg, she decided to inform herself on the internet.
I looked for melanoma or skin cancer check on Google and found the SkinScreener app there. I downloaded it immediately and used the two free scans to check the mole I was concerned about.The app made me make the right decision to get my leg checked. If the app didn’t confirm that my mole was at moderate risk, I probably would have never get it checked by a dermatologist.
How did your life change after your skin cancer diagnosis?
The energetic outdoor lover told us that she was aware of skin cancer but she never thought that it would happen to herself. Usually she tans easily and she always used sunscreen SPF 30+ to protect her skin from the sun. However, she admitted that she was sometimes using sunbeds in the past before special occasions such as weddings when she felt that her skin was pale.
I think it is important to raise awareness of skin cancer. I feel grateful that my melanoma was caught early and I hope by spreading the word that more people will look after their skin and have regular skin checks. I am not going to live life in fear but I will regularly check my whole body with SkinScreener. This gives me peace of mind. I am now very aware of skin cancer and check my moles regularly.
Share your story
Whether you or a loved one has been affected by skin cancer, you have an important story to tell that can help others. Sharing your story raises awareness for skin cancer provides support for others fighting skin cancer.
