An Isle of Wight family’s campaign to improve early diagnosis of skin cancer was highlighted in a parliamentary debate led by Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Bob Seely.
The campaign, known as “Zoe’s Law”, aims to change NHS medical practices to ensure all moles removed at private clinics are tested for melanoma. It was started following the death of Zoe Panayi to skin cancer in May 2020.
Petition attracted almost 35,000 signatures
During the debate, Bob suggested to Health Minister Helen Whately that the government could initiate a pilot scheme to test all moles and skin tags removed from the body for melanoma. He said,
“The idea of testing all removed moles and skin tags is potentially very popular, and a petition started by [Zoe’s] family has now reached some 35,000 signatures.”
Seely: Thousands of people are needlessly dying every year
The Island’s MP said he would like to know what more could be done in the future because “thousands of people are needlessly dying every year”.
He urged the minister to respond to him in writing setting out further plans on raising awareness of moles and suggested more could be done through education and training.
Whatley: I want us to get better at preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer
In concluding the debate, the minister also paid tribute to Zoe’s family. Helen Whatley said,
“Like Zoe’s family, as cancer minister I want to stop people going through what they have been through. I want us to get better at preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer.
“Although we cannot remove the risk of skin cancer in its entirety, we can raise awareness of the things that increase the risk and help people take steps to protect themselves.”
She highlighted that teledermatology – the use of digital images to check for signs of cancer – is now offered by all GPs on the Isle of Wight and is increasingly available across the NHS.
Seely: Hope that initiating this debate starts a serious conversation
Speaking after the debate, Mr Seely said,
“I felt it was important to raise this important issue in Parliament for Zoe and for her family. Skin cancer can be deadly, but in many cases, it need not be if it is diagnosed early enough.
“I am keen to help support the campaign where I can. I hope that initiating this debate starts a serious conversation about how we move forward in earlier detection of this form of cancer.”
You can add your name to the petition on the Change.org Website.
