The East Kent Malignant Melanoma Group is celebrating its first anniversary in May after a successful year of informal presentations from dermatology consultants, pathologists, nurse specialists and dieticians.
As well as supporting each other, the group is now looking to improve the public’s understanding of the damage the sun can do and highlight the need for regular skin examinations.
Susanne Yoxall, found the group helpful following surgery: “I was looking for more information. I’d had a different type of cancer before and the treatment options now seemed much more limited so I thought my experiences could help others. We have had some very informative talks from dermatologists to pathologists and learnt more about the disease - particularly how more people in the UK, especially young people, are being diagnosed with malignant melanoma.”
The group is open to anyone who has had a malignant melanoma, or knows someone who has, and meets on the first Thursday of the month at Abbotts Barton Hotel, New Dover Road, Canterbury. The next four meetings of the group are on 1 May, 5 June, 3 July and 7 August from 7.30 to 9pm.
Karen Mackinnon, Skin Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist for East Kent Hospitals and helps to facilitate the group, explains ‘This May our group is celebrating its first anniversary by recognising national Sun Awareness Week, a great opportunity for everyone to consider how they plan to keep safe during the summer.’
Karen can be contacted on 01227 868 666 for further information about the group.
