A Didsbury student realised she could have skin cancer after seeing a similar mole projected onto a big screen at a Cancer Research UK conference.
Alexia Strickson was aware of a mole on her lower neck which was changing in shape, but didn’t think it was serious enough to visit her GP.
But when the PhD student was confronted by a similar mole on a big screen at a Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute conference, she immediately booked an appointment to see her GP.
Alexia’s GP sent her to the dermatologist – but neither the GP or dermatologist seemed overly concerned by the mole which they assumed was pre-cancerous.
In December 2022 Alexia had the mole surgically removed and assumed all had gone well.
However, she was shocked to receive a phone call two months later to be told tests on the mole had found it was a malignant melanoma. Alexia was aged just 23 at the time.
Alexia, who is now 25, needed further surgery in the same area to ensure all the cancerous tissue had been removed. She has remained fit and well since the diagnosis, but is now vigilant at checking her moles and has regular check-ups.
Alexia, whose PhD in Cancer Sciences has been funded by Cancer Research UK, will complete her studies in Manchester in August and needs to complete two more years of Medicine before becoming a doctor.
Thanks to her own experience of cancer, she is encouraging as many people as possible to sign up for Race for Life to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
Money raised at Race for Life will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease – to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
Alexia said: “Thank goodness I attended the conference or I would have delayed seeing the GP even further.
“It was only when I looked up and saw something on the big screen which was very similar to what was on my neck, that I realised I needed to see a doctor.
“Being told I had malignant melanoma was such a huge shock as I was only 23.
“I would always urge anyone who suspects something isn’t right with their body to see a GP and be persistent.
“And I would like to thank everyone across the North West who supports Race for Life. Your fundraising boosts research to help people like myself facing a cancer diagnosis. The funding also helps to pay for research students like myself working hard to help future generations facing a cancer diagnosis.”
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, raises millions of pounds every year across the UK to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.
People of all ages and abilities are welcome to take part in Race for Life events which will be held at:
Haigh Country Park, Wigan – Wednesday May 7
Heaton Park, Manchester – Saturday May 10 and Sunday May 11
Woodbank Park, Stockport – Sunday July 6
Tatton Park, Cheshire- Saturday July 26 and Sunday July 27
