John Wilson, a nurse with eight years of experience, was diagnosed with melanoma in 2014 after his general practitioner noticed an unusual mark on his back. The mole, described as large, black, and with jagged edges, was removed the same day, and the cancer was caught in its earliest stages.
Following this diagnosis, Wilson adopted a more adventurous lifestyle, working as a nurse in disadvantaged communities across Australia and Asia, and sailing the Atlantic. However, in January of this year, weeks after returning to London, he was hospitalized for a suspected kidney stone.
During a CT scan to investigate the kidney stone, doctors discovered a tumor in his liver. Further scans revealed that his melanoma had returned and spread to his lungs, liver, kidney, and abdominal wall. Wilson expressed shock, as he had no new skin changes and felt generally well, attributing his fatigue to the stress of moving. He noted that without the kidney stone issue, he could have remained unaware of the advanced cancer for months or years.
Wilson highlighted the critical need for greater public awareness regarding melanoma symptoms, stating that even as a nurse, he did not recognize the signs on both occasions. Melanoma diagnoses have increased significantly in Britain over the last decade, with cases rising by almost a third. Annually, there are approximately 21,000 new melanoma cases and nearly 2,300 deaths in the country.
The primary symptom of melanoma is typically a new or changing growth on the skin, such as moles that alter in size, shape, or color, or develop irregular borders. Other signs can include persistent sores that bleed, itch, or crust, or unusual waxy or scaly bumps. Ultraviolet ray exposure from the sun or sunbeds is the leading cause, with nine out of ten cases considered preventable. Melanoma is more common in men, often appearing on the torso or neck, while in women, it tends to manifest on the lower limbs.
Experts attribute the rise in cases to factors including an aging population, improved diagnostic capabilities, and the increasing popularity and affordability of foreign holidays and outdoor sunbathing. Despite rising awareness, many Britons remain unaware of the risks and signs of skin cancer. A survey by Melanoma Focus found that one in nine British adults have intentionally burnt their skin, significantly increasing their risk, and one in three admitted to never using sunscreen.
Health advice recommends using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, applying liberally every two hours, and reapplying after swimming or sweating. Most melanomas are detected as new moles or changes to existing ones, usually in sun-exposed areas. When caught early, melanoma is highly curable, but treatment becomes considerably more challenging as the disease progresses.
Symptoms of the cancer spreading can vary depending on the affected organs but may include lumps under the skin, swollen lymph nodes, persistent fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Wilson is currently undergoing immune-boosting treatment and plans to use his experience to raise awareness and provide free mole checks through his charity, Spot It Early. He is raising funds for his charity on GoFundMe.