A nurse was alerted to a serious health issue when she noticed a “little” spot on her face. Lianne Jackson, who works as a skin cancer nurse specialist at Clatterbridge Hospital’s Dermatology Unit, spotted an unusual white spot beneath her eye in May last year and knew something wasn’t right.
The persistent mark, which resembled a milk spot, raised concerns for Lianne due to her professional background. Her expertise led her to suspect the worst, and as the spot evolved, she sought medical advice.
After undergoing a biopsy, Lianne’s suspicions were confirmed: she had Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), a type of skin cancer. Speaking to the ECHO previously, Lianne recounted: “It was a little white lump. It looked like a milk spot. I said to my doctors I thought it was skin cancer under my eye, and they said it was unusual at my age. We kept an eye on it, and it grew a bit more.”
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Lianne’s role as a skin cancer nurse meant she recognised the signs early and took action: “As a skin cancer nurse I knew what it was and got it removed, but it got me thinking. Had I not been a skin cancer specialist, I wouldn’t have known.”
She emphasised the importance of skin cancer awareness, which often focuses on melanoma, the most lethal type. Lianne advises the public not just to monitor moles but also to be vigilant about any persistent spots, blisters, or cuts: “Skin cancer awareness of very much focused on melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer. The advice we give people is to check your moles, but also check your skin. Look out for spots, blisters and cuts that never go away.”
Lianne, from Claughton, has spoken about the distress she felt upon being diagnosed with cancer on her face, reports the Liverpool Echo. She underwent a surgical procedure at Whiston Hospital in St Helens to remove the cancerous tissue, which was successful but left her with a scar that serves as a permanent reminder of what she went through.
In light of Skin Cancer Awareness Month this May, Lianne is sharing her experience again to highlight the importance of awareness. She’s calling on people to regularly check their skin for any changes.
She emphasised: “Perform a detailed skin check every month. Be on the lookout for any new or altered moles, non-healing areas, or other atypical signs.”
Dawn Miller, Macmillan Lead Cancer Nurse at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, also stresses the importance of catching skin cancer early.
She explained: “While some skin cancers, including certain types of melanomas, can be life-threatening due to their potential to metastasise, others like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are generally less likely to spread and can often be effectively managed with early intervention.”
“Awareness is key to empowering people to spot early signs and seek immediate medical help.”
To prevent skin cancer, it’s advised to conduct regular self-examinations, practice sun safety, and apply sunscreen properly.
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
