Well that was Melanoma May, the month when historically Skin Cancer Charities get inundated with requests and also ramp up their activity to spread the important messages about the risks of UV Radiation.
My question is why? Why should we limit out maximum effort to this one month because Melanoma May sounds good. Our efforts to raise awareness need to be spread more evenly all year round. It’s too easy to forget our messages in June and just continue to do what was always done – not enough!!
As you know I’m a stage 4 “survivor” and I’m trying to add value for others that will unfortunately follow in my footsteps. Burning when young and not understanding the problems that could unfold in later life.
This month has however given me incredible opportunities to try to discuss skin cancer and the effects on a whole range of media types.
Radio Coverage
Firstly, the announcement of more advanced (stage III) clinical trials in the UK and other parts of the world looking to develop the personalised mRNA vaccines for skin cancer. It’s a massive breakthrough but it’s still early days. I was lucky enough to be involved in a BBC Radio 2 show with Jeremy Vine which discussed the announcement.
Here’s the interview.
BBC Radio 5 Live hosted a discussion regarding the benefits to us all of sunlight. I agree sunlight is good – it’s provides a valuable source of vitamin D, helps with our mental health and a whole host of other things. It’s the UV that destroys our cells (whether it be from the sun or Sunbeds!) the show was hosted by Stephen Nolan and included both myself and Professor Richard Weller, Dermatology Lead (NHS Scotland).
https://youtu.be/rwjI7UZ7h6g?si=oAahuV1KSVf1DYhG
Television Coverage
Then Cancer Research UK released statistics which discussed the increased incidence rates of skin cancer in the UK which could reach nearly 21,000 this year. I again was lucky enough to be asked onto the sofa on BBC TV Breakfast Show with Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Faisal Ali to discuss my story and what we need to be aware of.
To view to interview click the link:-
https://youtu.be/atV6wS3oXPQ?si=yxRobFBuZ50Ln5uu
Live “Arena” Appearances
The third part of my efforts was to present at Jewson Live 2024 at venues across the UK including NEC Birmingham, SECC Glasgow and Kent Event Centre. Primarily my main focus at these events was to engage with the delegates as they toured around the vast array of exhibition stands to discuss the risks to outdoor workers of increased exposure to Occupational UV radiation.
I also had an opportunity to present to the delegates on the Wellbeing Stand at each if the sessions.
At Glasgow I was honoured to meet and chat a little with my absolute childhood hero – the legend that is Sir (King) Kenny Dalglish.
I also met the ex footballer, now TV personality Dion Dublin at the Kent event.
Here’s a short reel of the Glasgow event.
All in all, I have absolutely loved the whole experience of trying to make a difference in this crazy world. If I hadn’t insisted on my scans in 2017 I simply would not be here doing this and having a chance to meet incredible people along the way.
Thank you to all of you for listening and reading.
