System cuts skin cancer wait time

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.

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 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.

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."

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