FA Cup Manager: Skin Cancer Awareness – ‘I Could Have Died
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Ross, brother of a member of Newcastle United’s backroom team, is sharing his story after a melanoma diagnosis and subsequent treatment, hoping to raise awareness about the importance of regular skin checks. What began as a routine doctor’s visit uncovered a perhaps life-threatening condition, highlighting how crucial early detection can be.
From Flaky Skin to a Life-Threatening Diagnosis
Ross, manager of non-league club Binfield, initially visited his doctor concerned about flaky skin on his leg. While that turned out to be a benign condition – keratosis moles - a subsequent full-body check revealed a far more serious issue.
“I originally whent to the doctor’s as I found some flaky skin on my left leg, which ended up being keratosis moles, which was all fine,” Ross explains.”During the same check in April 2024, we agreed to do a full body check, which turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
The doctor’s change in tone during the examination of his other leg sent a chill down his spine. “While checking my other leg, the tone of the doctors voice changed, which will live with me forever, when she said ‘oh, ok, this one looks a little different, we need to get this checked and a biopsy done quickly’.”
Within two weeks,Ross received a diagnosis of melanoma skin cancer. Thankfully, it was caught early. “The NHS were great,I was seen within two weeks and they diagnosed me within 24 hours with melanoma skin cancer. It was quite an aggressive form but they were confident they had caught it early.”
He underwent surgery, having a chunk of tissue removed from his right calf. But the ordeal didn’t end there.
A Second Discovery: Eye Complications
Further testing revealed another concerning development. During a routine eye exam, doctors discovered a mole/freckle at the back of his eye, near his blind spot. This was diagnosed as a high-risk choroidal atypical nevus with leaking subretinal fluid.
“I was now in the system, where I had test after test. During an eye test, the consultants found a mole/freckle at the back of my eye, close to my blind spot, which was diagnosed as high risk choroidal atypical nevus with leaking subretinal fluid.”
Ross is still undergoing treatment and requires monitoring every couple of months. He acknowledges this is a lifelong management process.
Why Regular Skin Checks Are Vital
Ross is now steadfast to use his experience to encourage others to prioritize skin health.He emphasizes the potentially devastating consequences of neglecting regular checks.
“I feel unbelievably lucky. If I had not been checked over that day, if I had left that mole exposed in the summer of 2024, the consultant informed me, my situation would have been life-threatening.”
He stresses that his story is a stark reminder of how easily skin cancer can be missed and how quickly it can progress. “The scary part reliving this now is, If I had not been checked when I was, I wouldn’t be here to share this story.”
What You Can Do to Protect Yoru skin
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world,but it’s also one of the most preventable.Here’s what you can do to protect yourself:
Regular Self-Exams: Get to know your skin. Check for any new moles, changes in existing moles, or sores that don’t heal. Use the ABCDE rule:
Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
Border: The edges are irregular, notched, or blurred.
Color: The mole has uneven colors (black, brown, tan).
Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser).
Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.
* Sun Protection: Limit sun exposure, especially during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm). Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.