Firefighter warns of sun cancer danger

9:07am Thursday 1st May 2008

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AN Evesham firefighter has urged local people to cover up in the sun this summer - as he revealed how skin cancer has blighted his life.

Mark Frost, hailed as a hero for his work during the July floods last year, was giving his backing to the British Association of Dermatologists on the eve of Sun Awareness Week which begins on Monday (May5).

Mark was diagnosed in 2006 and given a 60-70 per cent chance of survival during the next five years.

The 37-year-old said: "In Sept 2006 my wife spotted a small dark spot on my back and told me she thought I had a blood blister. Over the next couple of months it grew, and being ignorant I just thought it was a normal mole. It was later when it became a noticeable lump, I thought it needed to be checked.

"In December I was at work when my doctor unexpectedly came in. I was told to ring the surgery for an appointment at a clinic that he led once a month.

"I had a biopsy and had several stitches; the lump was sent to be tested.

"On February 14 (Valentine's Day) I was at home preparing the kids, when the phone rang at about 8:30am. It was my doctor calling and asking to see me within two hours. So I did - and this is pretty much when my world caved in.

"My doctor explained as best as he could about malignant melanoma and told me I would see a dermatologist in Cheltenham.

"I went straight home not remembering much - apart from the fact I had to explain to my little boy, who was with me, what had just happened and why I was so upset.

"I called my wife at work and she came straight home. Not long after I received a phone call from Cheltenham General giving me an appointment with a consultant dermatologist in two days. I went to my appointment and this was when we realised how serious it was. I waited a couple of weeks for a CT scan, my whole future hinged on the results of the scan.

"The results arrived a week later; I received the all clear meaning my original lump was a primary cancer. I had a re-excision where they remove a large piece around the area of the mole. The size of the excision depends on the measurement of the original lump. Anything over 3mm is considered very bad and over 4mm is extremely life threatening - mine was 3.7mm.

"This healed and I went on to quarterly check-ups and now have to be very, very vigilant with my body. I have to monitor my lymph glands very closely.

"I have been abroad a lot and although I use sunscreen, I would often spend a lot of time in the swimming pool with my children and often had my back and shoulders exposed. Also, I would work in the garden without a shirt on.

"Mine and my family's life has changed dramatically. I have been given a 60% to 70% chance of surviving the next five years, and believe me I will! I love my family, my life and my work and would love to help others not suffer like we have.

"I try to remain positive but you are constantly in fear; it affects your whole outlook on life - sometimes for the good and sometimes for the bad. It has affected every aspect of my life from my living style to finances. It makes me angry, it makes me sad; sometimes it is very depressing and strains my relationships, but also strengthens relationships."