Skin cancer kills

Ken Brew from Liverpool was diagnosed with malignant melanoma five years ago.

The father-of-two visited his GP after becoming anxious about a mole on his leg.

Ken was referred to Broadgreen Hospital where a sample from the mole was removed.

Case study - Ken Brew

Just two days before celebrating his 50th birthday in March 2004, Ken received a phone call asking him to leave work and get to the hospital as quickly as possible.

Tests had revealed the mole was the most serious form of skin cancer - malignant melanoma.

He had the mole and an area of skin around it removed the same day and has received regular check-ups ever since to ensure the cancer does not return.

Ken, who is now aged 55 and works as an accountant for the Charity Commission, said: "Not only was I diagnosed with malignant melanoma two days before my 50th birthday, but it was also two days before my youngest daughter's 21st birthday.

"So, the diagnosis had a big impact on the family. I was shocked, but felt fortunate to have been diagnosed quickly and to not need further treatment."

Ken, who is now a grandfather, is fair skinned and has never been a sun worshipper.

He believes that burning as a child could have caused the cancer to develop in later life.

Ken, who is married to Ruth, developed a new mole on his thigh last year which was successfully removed and did not prove to be cancerous.

He added: "I have become vigilant about checking for moles as a result of what happened to me.

"Not everyone who is diagnosed with malignant melanoma is as fortunate, so I would urge any man who feels worried about a mole or a suspicious looking area of skin, to book an appointment with their GP immediately."