Moles, Melanoma and Mole Mapping
What are moles? Moles are localised areas in the skin that contain more of the pigment melanin. No one quite knows why we get moles. Dermatologists use the term melanocytic naevi to describe moles. Most moles are round or oval, flat and brown in colour. But when you look closely, there are differences in […]
Ovarian Cancer – Ignoring symptoms isn’t an option. Screening is.
Screening for certain female specific cancers may seem routine in the UK where we have regular breast screening for breast cancer and smear tests for cervical cancer, however there is one female cancer that we do not screen for, frequently labelled a silent killer – the ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is rare, but is the […]
Five summer skin care myths
The sun is beginning to make its appearance and the British summer is certainly under way. Before you whip those arms and legs out and inflate the paddling pool, it is worth quickly familiarising yourself with the following myths around staying sun safe. 1. Sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer – TRUE Over […]
The Difficulty with Lumpy Breasts
A common concern patients share with me when I’m scanning their breasts, is that it’s difficult to know which lumps are normal and which ones need to be investigated. This is especially troublesome in women with lumpy breasts. Whilst this is a difficult situation and you should always see your doctor if you’re concerned about […]
Cancer Screening: Be informed!
Cancer is a scary word. It’s a word that we are all brought up to dread. We all know someone who has been affected by cancer. Unfortunately, cancer accounts for 1 in 4 deaths and is the leading cause here in the UK. Figure: The number of cancer registrations by the 24 major sites, England, […]
Prostate Cancer Screening
Since 1999, men around the world have been growing their moustaches in November as part of the annual ‘Movember ‘ charity event to raise awareness of men’s health issues. What is the prostate? The prostate is a walnut shaped gland that sits beneath the bladder and produces semen. The urethra is the tube that carries […]
Breast Cancer Screening
October is the Breast Cancer Awareness Month in UK. With increasingly more women enquiring about breast cancer screening, where do doctors stand? Should we or should we not offer early breast cancer screening? Is evidence and assessing the pros and cons of an early mammogram enough to deter a younger woman who wishes to ensure […]
Low Breast Cancer Risk in Asian Women – Is It a Myth?
The Personal Cost of Breast Cancer Every one of us has been touched by cancer, whether this has been through a personal experience or that of someone close to us. After lung cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer globally, overwhelmingly affecting women, though a small number of men also get breast […]
