This week, radio DJ Chris Evans revealed he has been diagnosed with skin cancer and urged others to get themselves checked.
He was tested after his masseur found a “mark” on his shin and he had it checked out. He said that he underwent a biopsy which confirmed it was melanoma, a type of skin cancer, but thankfully had been found at the earliest possible stage and will be entirely treatable.
Evans said:
“It’s as treatable as cancer can be to the extent that they call it ‘stage zero’…” and went on to urge his listeners to “Just check yourself for stuff, as you get older especially, on your skin, on your bits and bobs…”
The importance of early cancer diagnosis
Melanoma is one of the most serious types of skin cancer. Over 16,500 people are diagnosed with it each year.
If left untreated, it can spread to other organs in the body.
Cancer that’s diagnosed at an early stage, when it isn’t too large and hasn’t spread, is more likely to be treated successfully and melanoma is no different. Early detection remains the most important predictor of melanoma survival.
Cancer waiting times
There have been many reports in recent years of devastating delays for cancer patients, be that for diagnosis initially, or for necessary treatment. Any delay can be too long and result in catastrophic consequences.
The BBC recently reported on the nine-month wait of one skin cancer patient in Selby in which the NHS cited backlogs due to the pandemic and an “unprecedented increase” in serious cancers as reasoning for continued delays for the patient’s surgery.
In the last week, it has been reported that two-thirds of cancer waiting time targets are expected to be scrapped in England. This is said to be a move that aims to catch cancers earlier.
Comment
Chris Evans’s case certainly highlights the importance of early detection and diagnosis. Thankfully, although a scary situation to be in, he seems to have received a diagnosis at the earliest possible time, thereby allowing him every opportunity for the best outcome.
The story also emphasises the devastating impact of delays in diagnosis and treatment which brings into focus the backlogs and issues still faced by the NHS today.
If treatment outcomes and overall survival for conditions such as melanoma are to improve, current practices need to be improved to ensure there are no unnecessary delays at any stage.
How can we help
Danielle Young is a Legal Director in our Medical Negligence team, which has been ranked in tier one by the independently researched publication, The Legal 500.
If you have any questions in relation to the subjects discussed in this article, then please get in touch with Danielle or another member of the team in Derby, Leicester, or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.
Contact us