As we continue to enjoy the good weather, Noleen Kennedy has praised the South Eastern Trust’s Skin Cancer team, following a diagnosis of superficial spreading melanoma in December 2021.
Noleen, who is from Belfast, was referred to the Ulster Hospital for a biopsy after she had noticed a mole on the left side of her body change shape and size. The mole was excised in March 2022 and Noleen has had subsequent biopsies and excisions for moles as well as in-depth ‘mole mapping’ procedures carried out.
As part of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Noleen has shared her story to stress how to take measures to stay safe in the sun and to contact your GP should changes to moles arise.
Noleen shared how previously she would have intermittently used sunbeds but since her diagnosis now takes every precaution to stay safe in the sun.
“I’ve had a number of moles excised up until February of this year and I’m definitely on the road to recovery,” said Noleen. “I have been monitored really closely at the Ulster and its staff have really put me at ease. Nothing is too much trouble to the Nurses. Skin Cancer Consultant Nurse Sheena Stothers and her team have been a fantastic support. When I was diagnosed it was very, very scary but the ongoing support I received right from that point up until now has been fantastic.”
Noleen explained how she had been undergoing three monthly intervals of mole mapping sessions, however, following her last appointment in April, she will now be seen on a year on year basis.
“From someone who used very low protection to now using very high, my message is to enjoy the sun – but protect yourself. If you have any concerns about your skin then reach out to your GP. I am now very conscious of not sitting in the sun and I do not put my face in it, I wear my hat and sunglasses for protection.
“My advice to anyone who has noticed changes is to follow your instincts, the help and support are in place.”
The Skin Cancer Consultant Nurse at the Ulster Hospital Sheena Stothers detailed how, in Northern Ireland, the number of cases of malignant melanoma is continuing to increase, with the latest figures showing over 400 people are diagnosed with melanoma in Northern Ireland every year.
Sheena stressed, “ Five sunburns in your life time can double your risk of getting skin cancer so that is why the sun protection message is so, so important, as we continue to experience this hot spell.”
Sheena explained how we can all reduce our risk to sun exposure by avoiding direct sunlight and seeking shade between the hours of 11am to 3pm, the use of UVA and UVB sun protection cream with an SPF 30+ with four to five star rating, covering exposed skin with loose fitting clothing, wearing a wide brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UVA protection.
“We know that skin cancer is still the most common cancer in Northern Ireland. We know that it accounts for 31 per cent of all the cancers diagnosed. Melanoma, which is the most serious form of skin cancer, is on the increase. We know that the rates are going to triple over the next 30 years.”
Sheena continued, “We are experiencing warm temperatures so it is important to apply sunscreen and continue to reapply. One application is not giving a person enough protection, especially if they are working outdoors are out in the sun.”
“If you have been swimming or perspiring then reapply and do this every two hours. It’s really important to pick a sunscreen that you are going to wear and there is so much choice out there at the moment,” said Sheena.
“If you do notice any change with your skin, a new mole or lesion or see any changes with existing moles in terms of size, shape, colour or continuing to change please do go and see your GP and please get it checked out.