|
 A Nottingham-based charity has purchased
new equipment which will help experts at Nottingham’s
hospitals diagnose melanoma skin cancer.
The Karen Clifford Skin Cancer Charity (SKCIN)
has raised the funds by organising a series of charity
fundraising events, including a charity ball earlier
this year. The money raised will buy two new
dermatoscopes for the skin cancer team at Nottingham
University Hospitals.
A dermatoscope is a piece of medical
equipment that helps to detect melanoma skin cancer.
Dr Sandeep Varma, consultant
dermatologist at Queen’s Medical Centre and Chair of
SKCIN, says: “We are delighted that the charity has
raised so much money that has enabled us to purchase
additional equipment and also launch the charity’s
website, which will benefit many patients in
Nottinghamshire and beyond.
“I see patients almost every day with
skin cancer, many of whom are abusing their skin through
excessive exposure, for instance those with fair skin
who have used too little sunscreen when on holiday and
get burnt. These patients usually present with a
changing mole suspicious for melanoma. They are
significantly increasing the risk of getting skin cancer
in later life. We want to get the message out there
that if caught early, skin cancer can be cured so please
do make sure you seek medical attention for any moles
that you see changing over time to get it checked out.”
SKCIN was set up in memory of a
Nottingham lady called Karen Clifford who died in 2005
after a courageous battle against skin cancer. Together
with clinicians at Nottingham’s hospitals, Karen’s
family and friends have launched the new charity to
raise awareness of the disease.
The new equipment will be presented to Dr
William Perkins, Chair of the Nottingham Skin Cancer
Team, and Mr Graeme Perks, lead for the Mid Trent Skin
Cancer Network on Thursday 13 December, at 2pm. |
