Businessman launches new foundation to battle cancer

Businessman launches new foundation to battle cancer

5 February 2020

A FOUNDATION set up by a local businessman in memory of his son is supporting a new skin cancer awareness campaign.

The David Cross Foundation for Reconciliation is supporting the Ulster University’s #LoveYourSkin initiative which was unveiled last week.

The Foundation was established in 2015 by Dr Terry Cross, from the Ballynahinch area, in memory of his son who tragically died aged 33 from malignant melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. 

The Foundation supports the development of innovative approaches to diagnose and treat skin cancer with the new university research programme led by Professor Tara Moore, alongside her colleagues in Biomedical Sciences Research Institute.

The campaign — which aims to help early diagnosis of skin cancer and develop a more personalised approach to treatment — was launched by Professor Moore alongside Dr Paul Thompson and Dr Patricia Rodriguez from the Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, university chancellor James Nesbitt and the David Cross Foundation.

There are various types of skin cancer, most of which can be detected early with excellent cure rates. 

In the UK and Ireland, melanoma is rapidly becoming one of the most common skin cancers. In Ireland, almost 12,000 new cases of melanoma were diagnosed in 2016 making it the fifth most common cancer, while in the UK, rates have almost doubled since the 1990s, with around 44 melanoma cases now diagnosed daily. 

A significant factor contributing to these statistics are the increased periods of intense sun exposure, or other UV light sources, whether through working in the sun, overseas holidays or the use of sun beds.  

The #LoveYourSkin campaign highlights the early signs of skin cancer and encourages people to check their skin regularly and, if they notice an irregularity, get it checked out.

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that arises from the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its colour and is easier treated at its earliest stages. 

However, if not detected early, it has the capacity to spread quickly to other parts of the body. When this occurs, the disease is profoundly more difficult to treat with five-year survival rates less than 15% and life expectancy often just a matter of months.

Explaining what people should be looking for, Professor Moore explained that the biggest advantage in the fight against melanoma is that it is one of the very few cancers that can be visually identified forming in its early stages.

“It is critical we’re vigilant and aware of the danger signs,” she continued. “Check your skin for suspicious moles on a regular basis and report anything unusual to your doctor. The first sign of a melanoma is often a change in the colour of a mole, though melanomas can also appear as a new growth rather than arising in a pre-existing mole.”

Professor Moore added: “If you have any suspicious moles or lesions that fit these criteria, see your doctor immediately, or skin specialist. It could save your life.”

Welcoming the new campaign, Dr Cross said raising public awareness of skin cancer is extremely important.  

He continued: “It is clear that we are living in a world that is experiencing climate change. The recent fires in Australia are evidence of the fact that intense periods of sunshine are becoming more common. 

“It’s critical that everyone actively takes steps to reduce their exposure to harmful UV rays and regularly checks themselves for visible signs of skin cancer. An often overlooked source of UV exposure includes any source of generated UV light.”

Dr Cross said early identification is the key to successful treatment. 

He added: “Treatment techniques which Professor Moore, Dr Thompson and Dr Rodriguez have been working immensely hard to enhance. This work will undoubtedly save lives.”