MASScot's Winter Meetings

Winter Programme 2013

All meetings will be in the Corinthian, Ingram Street Glasgow starting at 7:00pm with tea or coffee.

The aim of meetings is to inform on topics of general interest – not to swap health histories.

The last Thursday of the month seemed to suit most people so I do hope you can come to make a welcoming audience for our speakers and guests.

Thursday 26^th September    

Award of certificates to folk who have done all sort of extraordinary things for us.  Report to OSCR, progress with SIGN, QPI etc.  What we’ve done and what should we do next?  I hope it will be a lively meeting – please bring your ideas.  

Thursday  31^st October  

Elizabeth Roddick a pharmacist with an in depth knowledge of Vitamin D

This is a hot topic as Vitamin D depletion is thought to be common in Scots during our winter. A lack of this vitamin is thought to be the cause of Multiple Sclerosis  and many other problems. If you have interested friends please bring them along- just let me know number please.

Thursday 28^th November  

Prof. Robert Insall  Beatson Research Centre at Garscube

Prof. Insall’s speciality is genetics. He is an enthusiast on melanoma genetics. If you wonder if you should blame your parents or if you might have given your kids more than just your good looks come along and find out.

December – shall we take a break or a night out?  I have not booked a room in case you are all too busy, but I am always up for a party. You are welcome to our house BYOB!  Maybe we could we could get some prizes and have a raffle?  Let me know what you think.

2014

30^th January, 27^th February, 27^th March and 24^th April  - we have a room at the Corinthian booked.  Ideas for speakers/topics please. Anyone you want to haul in for questioning?

AGM

24^th April will be the AGM – please consider playing an active role. the work is mushrooming. 

Feed back is very welcome.

Please remember to keep confidential anything you hear from members or anything that is said which reveals a person’s clinical status.  Do not assume that everyone in the room has melanoma or other skin cancer. Carers and supporters are welcome at meetings.  Some people have not told their nearest and dearest about their diagnosis so it is important if you meet them elsewhere that you do not reveal that you met at a MASScot meeting.  If you meet elsewhere and you are with a friend, pass the time of day and apologies to your friend that you cannot introduce them as you have forgotten the person’s name – I do it every day – and mostly it’s not a fib!      Leigh  

International Highland Cattle Show - Pollok Park

MASScot attended the International Highland Cattle Show at Pollok Park this weekend.

The MASScot team set up stall at the event offering face painting and a raffle for event goers. The face painting team of Leigh and Ruth worked tirelessly all day providing kids with a great new look. From a tiger to spiderman they covered all the bases.

Whilst there MASScot gathered more signatures for our sunscreen petition in which we hope to persuade the government to drop VAT on sunscreen from 20 to 5%. Currently sunscreen is classed as a cosmetic product int he UK  and is therefore subjected to 20% VAT and those attending Pollok Park had no hesitation in signing our petition for such a worthy cause.

The Sun also made what has been rare appearance recently on Saturday and thanks to the announcer at the Cattle Show, MASScot were able to hand out some free sunscreen and sun safety advice to all who needed it, which many people took us up on. 

A big thanks must go to our volunteer Ruth Duncan who so kindly dedicated her time on a Saturday to helping out MASScot. 

Melanoma & Skin Cancer News Roundup 16/09/2013

Sons of Burns on 'Tour for Tommy' *

TOMMY Burns's two sons have teamed up with two former Celtic heroes to embark on a charity cycle ride which will visit every Scottish premiership ground.

Source: http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/sons-of-burns-on-tour-for-tommy.22130212

MASScot would like to clarify that money raised from Tour for Tommy will go towards one mobile drop in unit.

Adams pride as Staggies launch Tour for Tommy

Ross County manager Derek Adams yesterday spoke of his family’s pride at marking the starting post for a unique charity cycle ride in memory of former Celtic player and manager Tommy Burns.

Source: http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/3389959

Bride's nail blemish turns out to be rare melanoma

A RARE melanoma may have claimed the tip of her finger but it won't take away Samantha Holder's smile as she walks down the aisle on her wedding day.

Source: http://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/chance-visit-gives-bride-a-new-lease-of-life/2018766/

T-rays offer potential for earlier diagnosis of melanoma

The technology that peeks underneath clothing at airport security screening check points has great potential for looking underneath human skin to diagnose cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages, a scientist said here today.

Source: http://phys.org/news/2013-09-t-rays-potential-earlier-diagnosis-melanoma.html#jCp

Variations in Melanoma Treatment May Affect Outcomes in Elderly

Older patients with melanoma were diagnosed with thicker melanomas, and experienced longer time to excision and a higher frequency of insufficient excision margins compared with their younger counterparts in a multicenter study in France.

Source: http://www.cancernetwork.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/content/article/10165/2157603

Melanoma & Skin Cancer News Roundup 10/09/13

This weeks round up of melanoma and skin cancer related news:

Implant to combat malignant melanoma trialed in humans

AN VACCINE implant which will treat the deadliest form of skin cancer is to be tested in humans for the first time.

Source: Scotsman

Severity of sleep apnoea predicts aggressiveness of melanoma

The severity of sleep apnoea can independently predict the aggressiveness of malignant skin melanoma, according to a new study.

Source: Eurekalert

The paper and pencil cure for skin cancer: Surgery has 99 per cent success rate and less scarring than other treatments

There is an ever-widening variety of treatments for skin cancers – from lasers and light therapy, to creams, radiation and freezing. 

But one that is still proving most effective, according to experts, is also the most old-fashioned – and involves ‘mapping’ the tumours using a paper and pencil.

Source:Daily Mail

 Broccoli could be 'sunscreen against skin cancer'

There are numerous studies that suggest eating vegetables can provide certain health benefits. Now researchers say that broccoli may help to combat skin cancer, not by eating it, but by applying it directly to the skin.

Source: Medical News Today

GSK cancer vaccine disappoints in melanoma trial

An experimental cancer vaccine from GlaxoSmithKline failed to help melanoma patients in a closely watched late-stage clinical trial, dealing a blow to the high-risk, high-reward project.

Source: Yahoo News

Melanoma & Skin Cancer News Roundup 03/09/2013

A collection of links to articles relevant to Melanoma and Skin Cancer.

Men more likely to lose battle with skin cancer

MEN are 70% more likely to die from malignant melanoma - the most serious type of skin cancer - than women, according to new figures. - Cancer Research UK

Source: Herald Scotland

Red hair gene 'linked to melanoma'

It was always known that fair-skinned red-heads are at greater risk of melanoma, which claims more than 2,000 lives a year in the UK. - US Researchers (Harvard Medical School)

Source: Herald Scotland 

Sun rays in the UK responsible for most recent sunburn cases

Thanks to an unwillingness to apply sun cream in the UK, rays from the British Isles have been responsible for more than a third of most recent sunburn cases.

Source: Female First

Tumour tablet new hope for cancer patients: Daily pill could shrink facial growths

A daily pill could offer new hope to patients with a disfiguring form of skin cancer.

Source: Daily Mail

Ashley Roberts reveals tanning regrets

The blonde star strongly advises people to stay safe in warm temperatures.

“Yes, I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and my mom would put baby oil all over her for hours – she ended up having to have skin cancer removed from her face,” she shared.

Source: Daily Telegraph

Manchester agency provides creative for sunbed awareness campaign

Advertising and brand agency, we are air, is providing creative and copywriting support for a new anti-sunbed campaign launched by Liverpool council, with support from Cancer Research UK, the NHS and self tanning brand, St Moriz.

Source: Manchester Evening News

Skin cancer hidden under tattoos

Malignant melanoma may develop on a preexisting nevus within a tattoo that is being removed with laser therapy, according to a case report published in JAMA Dermatology.

Source: Clinical Advisor

Volunteer at the City of Glasgow International Highland Cattle Show 2013

Melanoma Action and Support Scotland will be in attendance at the City of Glasgow International Highland Cattle Show 2013.

The Cattle Show is taking place on Saturday the 14th of September and MASScot is inviting you to come along and join in the fun as a volunteer. Taking place at Pollok Country Park from 10am until 4pm, there will be a whole host of activities on offer for people of all ages. 

Why should I volunteer with MASScot?

· Feel valued and part of a team

· Spend quality time away from work or a busy lifestyle

· Gain confidence and self-esteem

· Enhance your CV

· Gaining new skills, knowledge and experience

· Developing existing skills and knowledge

· Improve your employment prospects

· Meeting new people and making new friends

· A chance to socialise

MASScot needs people on hand to help out with facepainting, bucket shaking and distributing advice on general sun safety. MASScot will pay travel and lunch expenses.

If you would like to help out MASScot get in touch at leigh@masscot.org.uk media@masscot.org.uk or phone us on 0773 823 1260

This is the 10th staging of the show at Pollok Country Park breeders will be showing their cattle in 12 classes in what should be the one of biggest show of highlanders in Britain if not the world.

The judge for the day is Mr Robert Phillip: a well respected highland cattle judge of international standing, very knowledgeable of the highland cattle breed.

The cattle will be judged according to age and sex. The judge will select his Female, Male and Junior Champions and then his overall Supreme Champion animal. It is likely that the Championship will be judged some time after 3.00pm with the Grand Parade of winning cattle the final event on the show field.

The event will open at 10am with the Highland Cattle judging starting at 11am

In addition to the Highland Cattle there will be lots going on

At the Events arena opening at 11am -

the world famous sheepdog and duck display team The Drakes of Hazard
Falconry flying displays with the Cumberland Bird of Prey Centre
Dog and Duck Display Displays a larger version of this image in a new browser window Falconry Flying Display Displays a larger version of this image in a new browser window
Children's Entertainment 11am - 3pm with Uncle Billy, clown, balloon modelling and face painting

See the Farrier fitting the Clydesdale with new shoes

Fresh Food Market & Craft Stalls

Glasgow's Buzzing with the Countryside Rangers

Fancy Pigeons

Children's Rides & Inflatable

Come along and meet 'Big Calder' the inflated highland gentleman he'll be around in the afternoon!

Lots for everyone to see and do - an event not to be missed!