Cancer Research UK health information manager Beth Vincent

Transcript

00:00There are a few different signs and symptoms of skin cancer.

00:04Lots of us are familiar with a new or a changing mole

00:07as something that could be a sign of skin cancer,

00:10but it's not just that.

00:11It's actually any unusual change to a patch of your skin.

00:15That could be a patch of skin that changes color,

00:17it could be a new mark or a freckle,

00:20it could be an ulcer, a sore that doesn't heal

00:24or is very itchy or scabbing over for a really long time,

00:27or even a lump.

00:28Basically, anything unusual for you

00:31when it comes to your skin, please talk to your doctor.

00:33It probably won't be cancer, but if it is,

00:35spotting it early can make all the difference.

00:38If you're worried about an unusual change

00:41to a patch of your skin,

00:43I would really encourage you to call your doctor,

00:45call your GP.

00:45I know it can be really difficult

00:47sometimes to get an appointment.

00:48I know sometimes you have to wait on the phone lines

00:50and it can be really tricky and that is frustrating.

00:53My advice is just be persistent.

00:55And if when you're on the phone to the receptionist,

00:59you feel able to give as much information as possible,

01:01that can be really helpful.

01:03If you say, I've spotted something on my body

01:05that's unusual for me,

01:06I'm worried it could be a sign of skin cancer,

01:09that might help them make a decision

01:10to get you seen by the most appropriate person

01:13at the quickest time.