Nurse knew something was wrong when she saw 'little' spot on her face

A nurse knew something was wrong when she saw a "little" spot on her face.

Lianne Jackson, a skin cancer nurse specialist at Clatterbridge Hospital's Dermatology Unit, noticed an unusual white spot beneath her eye in May last year. The stubborn mark would not go away, however due to Lianne's expertise, she recognised the potential danger.

As the spot grew and changed, Lianne’s vigilance led her to seek a biopsy, which confirmed a diagnosis of Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) - a form of skin cancer.

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Previously speaking to the ECHO, Lianne said: "It was a little white lump. It looked like a milk spot. I said to my doctors I thought it was skin cancer under my eye, and they said it was unusual at my age. We kept an eye on it, and it grew a bit more.

"As a skin cancer nurse I knew what it was and got it removed, but it got me thinking. Had I not been a skin cancer specialist, I wouldn't have known.

"Skin cancer awareness of very much focused on melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer. The advice we give people is to check your moles, but also check your skin. Look out for spots, blisters and cuts that never go away."

Lianne, from Claughton, said the diagnosis was upsetting, particularly as the cancer was located on her face. Lianne underwent surgery to remove the cancerous tissue at Whiston Hospital in St Helens. The procedure, while successful, left a visible scar - a constant reminder of her ordeal.

As part of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, which is in May, Lianne has once again shared her story to raise awareness. She has urged people to perform regular self-examinations

She said: "Perform a detailed skin check every month. Be on the lookout for any new or altered moles, non-healing areas, or other atypical signs."

Dawn Miller, a Macmillan Lead Cancer Nurse at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, highlights the urgency of early detection.

She said: "While some skin cancers, including certain types of melanomas, can be life-threatening due to their potential to metastasise, others like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are generally less likely to spread and can often be effectively managed with early intervention.

"Awareness is key to empowering people to spot early signs and seek immediate medical help.”

Preventative measures of skin cancer include engaging in regular self-examinations, practicing sun safety, and applying sunscreen correctly.

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