'Passport photo revealed I had skin cancer'

 
6 August 2012

A grandfather was shocked to discover he had skin cancer which was only revealed after having a new passport photo taken.

Geoff Catterall, from Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, was renewing his passport when he noticed he had two moles on his face that were not on the previous photograph.

After going to see his doctor he was referred to a dermatology specialist at the Bristol Royal Infirmary where he was given a cream for the moles, and a biopsy was performed on a blister in his left ear.

Unaware there was anything seriously wrong Mr Catterall, who is now 65, went away on holiday to Zante in Greece with his family.

But while he was there he got a call to come back as soon as possible.

On returning he was called into hospital to undergo immediate surgery for skin cancer.

"When I got to the hospital, there were a lot of doctors, consultants and nurses in the theatre," Mr Catterall said.

"My consultant told me that my moles were cancerous and I needed urgent surgery to remove the affected area and prevent the cancer from spreading."

During the surgery Mr Catterall had to have part of his ear removed, but said it was a small price to pay for saving his life.

"The surgery went very well," he said. "I only lost part of my ear and at least I have not lost my life."

This October will be five years since Mr Catterall received his diagnosis and as part of a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of the sun the cancer survivor has been advising people to take more care while enjoying the good weather.

He said: "Make sure you put suncream on your ears, I never did and I learnt the hard way about the danger of the sun.

"I rarely go out in the sun any more but if I do, I apply plenty of suncream and also wear a wide-brimmed hat."

The NHS in the West are warning people of the damage the sun can do to the skin and advising them to cover up, seek shade and not to let themselves burn.

"While the British summer may have been bit of a wash-out, the sun can suddenly appear and surprise us," an NHS spokeswoman said.

Health officials are also warning the sun does not have to shine for the ultraviolet A and B rays to cause damage to our skin.

Dr Ardiana Gjini, a consultant in public health, said: "You don't have to avoid the sun completely, but be sure to protect your skin, all parts that may be exposed to the sun when you might be out and about for a few hours.

"Most importantly, you need to take a few safe steps when in sunshine or when on holiday to help protect you from sunburn and the risk of skin cancer."

On average there are 9,693 cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year in England.

Dr Mike Durkin, medical director for NHS South of England added: "It is important that everyone is aware of the signs and symptoms of skin cancer and to take precautions when out in the sun.

"If you notice any changes to the skin you should see your doctor as soon as possible and get it checked out.

"Early diagnosis is essential in any illness and it's always better to raise any concerns with your GP as soon as possible."

Advice from experts is for people of all ages to always to protect the skin from the dangers of the sun all year round, even in cool or cloudy weather when rays can still cause harm.

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