Skin cancer is on the rise, and Dr Deepak Rallan is tackling the problem head on with a screening process which offers a life free of worry from the disease.

Skin cancer has increased steadily in our society for more than a decade. On average, one in five people will develop skin cancer at some point and 2,500 people lose their lives to the disease every year in UK.

Surprisingly, there is no NHS screening available. The good news is that if it is caught early, it is curable, but if it is left beyond a certain stage, no cure exists. Anyone can develop skin cancer, but one of the UK's foremost experts on the disease, Dr Deepak Rallan, who runs Diamond Skin Care's SkinSafe clinic, believes deaths are preventable and completely unnecessary.

Who's most at risk?

If you have had childhood or early adulthood sunburn, have pale skin, lots of moles, family history of skin cancer, and you're over 50 - your chances are high. It's normal for children and young adults to get new moles. However, it's unusual to develop new moles from your mid 40s, so if a new mole develops, it could be suspicious and it's worth getting it checked out.

If your mole changes quickly over a few weeks, by becoming asymmetrical, if the border has become jagged, if you spot more than one colour in the mole, especially black, and it has increased in size, you need to get it looked at.

How to spot the signs

Skin cancer can start in a mole or appear on normal looking skin without a pre-existing mole. The majority of people will develop melanoma (the most dangerous form) on normal looking skin. If you're over 50, have a new mole, or one that has changed shape, size and colour, then you need to get it checked. It's a good idea to ask your partner or a family member to check the moles on parts of your body you can't see, such as your back.

Early detection of skin cancer is crucial in being able to cure the condition.

What do you do if you suspect your may have skin cancer?

'If you suspect skin cancer you may ask for a second opinion, or consult your doctor who will either reassure you or refer you to a hospital specialist,' says Dr Rallan. 'Only the suspect mole/s will be checked and this process can take up to six weeks.*

'In our own experience, we have regularly seen patients who were referred or concerned about a particular mole, but the skin cancer was incidentally found in a completely different mole while checking the rest of the skin.' The SkinSafe clinic screening process is the most advanced route to a life free of worry from skin cancer. A full body check appointment with a dermoscopy specialist can be made in Norwich or Great Yarmouth within three days.

'At one stage, all skin cancer is curable and this method always catches any possible skin cancer at the curable stage,' says Dr Rallan.

'It produces instant and lasting peace of mind, keeps you safe even if you are most at risk, and works at every age and for all skin types.'

Dr Deepak Rallan, is one of the UK's foremost Dermoscopists and was awarded the title of International Academic Expert in Dermoscopy in 2015. The SkinSafe clinic's philosophy is 'Early Detection, Life Protection'. To find out more, visit www.beskinsafe.co.uk or call 01603 819125.

* All suspected cancers, including suspected skin cancer (except Basal cell carcinoma) have to be legally seen within two weeks, but there is no legal obligation by the NHS to treat within two weeks. If it requires a further check, eg biopsy/ removal, this can take another four weeks or more.

The screening process

1. A full body skin cancer check using polarised light and advanced detection technology (dermoscopy). It is simple, non-invasive but 'looks' under the surface and is potentially life-saving.

2. Your screening provides instant peace of mind and an action plan. No waiting for reports or second opinions.

3. Finally, your attending expert trains you in what to look for to catch any early change. Repeating the three steps once or twice a year ensures that no potential skin cancer will ever go un-noticed.

READER OFFER

Book now and save 15%

For a limited time only, you can book a mole check for just £187 (normally £220, saving £33), by quoting offer code: EVN0118.

Book online at www.beskinsafe.co.uk or call 01603 819125. Offer ends February 10, 2018.

Mole removal costs £400-£500 for up to three moles.