This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7850253.stm
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| System cuts skin cancer wait time | System cuts skin cancer wait time |
| (29 minutes later) | |
| A new system for detecting skin cancer has cut waiting times in the NHS Forth Valley area to days rather than months. | A new system for detecting skin cancer has cut waiting times in the NHS Forth Valley area to days rather than months. |
| Instead of referring every patient to a dermatologist, photographs are taken of each mole and the specialist decides whether the patient has to be seen. | Instead of referring every patient to a dermatologist, photographs are taken of each mole and the specialist decides whether the patient has to be seen. |
| The new system has also reduced by two thirds the number of people who need to see a specialist. | The new system has also reduced by two thirds the number of people who need to see a specialist. |
| The number of suspicious moles seen by dermatologists in the area has risen by 27% in the past year. | The number of suspicious moles seen by dermatologists in the area has risen by 27% in the past year. |
| The national trend has shown an increase of up to 40%. | The national trend has shown an increase of up to 40%. |
| Although skin cancer is on the rise, three quarters of people with even the most dangerous form of the disease have no further problems once the mole is removed. | Although skin cancer is on the rise, three quarters of people with even the most dangerous form of the disease have no further problems once the mole is removed. |
| Patient Alexander Davidson had a mole on his back checked using the new technique. | |
| "The guy with the camera showed me it and it didn't look good so I expected to hear word," he told BBC Radio Scotland. "But I didn't expect it as quick as I got it and the mole was removed." | |
| Dermatologist Colin Morton, from Stirling Royal Infirmary, said: "By doing this, we hope to be seeing patients with worrying moles as quickly as possible and have the surgery. | |
| "And to be able to more quickly reassure patients their moles are innocent." |