Phone Diagnosis Apps May Be Misleading

A variety of different smartphone apps have recently appeared for downloading, many of which claim they have the ability to diagnose Melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.  

The University of Pittsburgh recently carried out a study in which they tested four apps which work by using photographs of skin lesions to make an assessment and suggest whether the user is in danger.  Out of the four apps tested by the University, three relied on automated computer responses and the other sent the photo to a dermatologist for diagnosis. 

The researchers found that three of the four apps incorrectly classified 30 per cent or more of melanomas. This is concerning due to the fact that it is possible that users may use these apps as their only source of diagnosis instead of seeing a doctor or dermatologist.  The app which relied on the dermatologist was almost right in every instance compared to the 30% of cases which the other three wrongly diagnosed. 

Laura Ferris with the University of Pittsburgh stated: "We're not ready to take the physician out of the picture quite yet," Ferris said in a statement. "See your dermatologist, or even your primary care physician, to check for melanoma." This is a sentiment echoed by us at Masscot, if you have any worries about Melanoma and skin cancer then make sure you see a medical professional.

Are Sun Bed Businesses Following The Rules?

The Public health Scotland act came into effect in 2009 but whilst it is a useful tool against the use of Sun beds and their damaging effects on those who use them, are the rules being followed to the letter by sun bed owners?

The acts objective was to protect the public from the risk of skin damage and the increased risk of developing skin cancer as a result of sunbed use by ensuring that those who intend to use a sunbed are fully informed of the risks involved. This was done by making sure that those who own commercial sunbeds made their customers aware to not use sunbeds if they are:

•  Under 18;
• Have fair sensitive skin that burns easily or tans slowly or poorly;
• Have a history of sunburn, especially in childhood;
• Have a large number of freckles and/or red hair;
• Have a large number of moles;
• Taking medicines or using creams which may sensitise the skin to sunlight;
• Have a medical condition that is worsened by sunlight;
• Have had or anyone in your family has had a skin cancer in the past.

The legislation also covers the banning of coin operated sun beds and the sale of UV tanning equipment to those under the age of 18. However, it should be noted that age isn’t a factor when it comes to Sun Beds. Just because you are of legal age to use them it doesn’t make them safe.

For many local Environmental Health officers, the misuse of sunbeds isn’t at the top of their priorities. Therefore we call on you, the public and our supporters to alert MASScot of any commercial sunbed owners who are failing in their duty. Contact us by telephone or email if you have any stories or have seen sunbed owners failing to meet the standards set in the Public Health Scotland Act. (2009)

Contact us at Leigh@masscot.org.uk or on twitter @MASScot1

Teen Girls Ignoring Sun Bed Risks

A recent study by Cancer Research UK has shown that many girls aged between 15 to 18 felt that the desire to get a tan overcame any misgivings about the potential health risks. 

The focus groups which were conducted highlighted the soft attitude of many girls in this age range with regards to the health risks that are posed by the use of UV Sunbeds.  Dr Jeffrey Lake public health consultant and lead author of the study, said: “The research shows us that the desire for tanned skin in young people is blinding them to the potential long-term health risks associated with regularly using sunbeds.”

With findings showing that Melanoma is the most common cancer among those in the 15-34 age bracket in Scotland the results of Cancer Research UK’s research is worrying. Whilst Scotland has a ban on the use of sunbeds by those under the age of 18, it shows that more needs to be done to combat the negative effects of the use of Sunbeds.

This news came just after another study came to the conclusion that the risk of skin cancer was almost 6 times higher from one of the tanning beds, compared to direct natural sunlight exposure.

Welcome to our new blog

Hello! and welcome to our new blog where we hope to keep those who have an interest in Melanoma Action and Support Scotland's activities up to date on what we are currently doing as well as bringing you a round up of any stories or latest news which will be of interest to MASScot and its supporters. 

MASScot stands for Melanoma Action and Support Scotland and is a charity for those affected by Melanoma, we have been around since 2003 and our aim to give one on one support, offer a listening ear and point you towards the relevant service with any questions you might have. Additionally, we provide assistance and materials to educational establishments, as well as participate in outdoor events where we speak to the public and provide doses of sun creams free of charge.

We can be contacted anytime between 8am and 11pm any day including weekends and public holidays, outwith these times please leave your name and number and somebody will get back to you as soon as possible. Below you will find our contact details and please do not hesitate to get in touch whether you need support, have a question or a re looking to get involved. We'd be happy to hear from you.

Phone: 0773 823 1260

Email: leigh@masscot.org.uk or Media@masscot.org.uk 

Facebook: Leigh Smith (Masscot)

Twitter: @MASScot1

Website: Masscot.org.uk