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System cuts skin cancer wait time | System cuts skin cancer wait time |
(about 4 hours 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%. |
'Worrying moles' | |
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. | 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." | "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. | 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." | "And to be able to more quickly reassure patients their moles are innocent." |