follow-up
When your treatment is finished, you’ll need regular appointments with your specialist to check that the melanoma is not coming back. These appointments will be every few months at first and less often as time goes on.
It’s important that you get in touch with your specialist if you see any changes or lumps where the melanoma was removed or on the skin around the area. You can phone the nurses at the hospital or your doctor’s secretary.
Once you’ve had a melanoma, there is a risk that you might get it again so it’s really important that you know how to look after yourself.
- use the ABCD checklist to keep a close eye on your moles so that you can notice any changes early.
- protect yourself whenever you go out in the sun.
sun safety
- try not to go out in the sun between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its strongest
- avoid using sun beds. They do even more damage to your skin than the sun. Use fake tan – it’s much safer.
- it’s a good idea to cover your skin with a t-shirt or a sarong to block out the sun’s rays
- remember to wear a wide brimmed hat
- remember to always use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or above and re-apply it throughout the day.
