The South West’s premier independent dermatology & skin clinic
At South West Dermatology, we believe that early detection is the single most important factor in successfully treating skin cancer. That is why we were delighted to partner once again with The Lions Charity for our periodic community mole check event at Mackarness Hall on Honiton High Street last weekend (April 18th -19th).
This regular initiative, in association with The Lions, serves a dual purpose: providing expert skin screenings to the local community while raising vital funds for Cancer Research UK.
Living in the beautiful South West comes with hidden risks. Statistically, Devon has four times the national average of skin cancer. This is particularly prevalent in our rural communities, where outdoor work and lifestyles lead to higher cumulative sun exposure.
Many people have "that one spot" they’ve been meaning to ask a doctor about but haven't found the time to book a GP appointment for. This event provides a low-pressure opportunity for residents to pop in and have their skin examined by specialists for issues they might otherwise have dismissed as unimportant.
This year’s event once again highlighted the necessity of these screenings. Our team identified several serious skin cancers that required immediate attention. We have ensured these cases are now fast-tracked for NHS management to ensure the best possible outcomes for the patients involved.
One of the highlights of the weekend was a visit from a local resident who attended our screening event four years ago. At that time, our dermatologists identified an undiagnosed melanoma.
Thanks to that providential check-up, they received timely treatment and are now doing well. Seeing the long-term impact of our work in the community is a powerful reminder of why we continue to support these events.
While community events are vital, we encourage everyone to practice the "ABCDE" rule when checking their moles at home:
