Hello,
I've noticed a raised mole on my arm. It didn't used to be raised. I got my husband to take a photo of it with my phone and it looks like it has uneven borders and a second colour in it. The one good thing about it is it is small, it's maybe 5mm.
I'm 32, pale skinned, have been badly sunburnt in the area a number of times and both my parents have had malignant melanoma, my mother passed from it 14 years ago.
I'm going to try get an appointment to see my gp tomorrow, but I'm really worrying right now. I guess I just needed to put my worry somewhere. What are the current wait times on the nhs to get it checked out? I have private insurance but would have to pay a fairly large excess and don't want to do that if it is nothing to worry about.
Hi Penguinpower and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.
The NHS sets cancer waiting times standards that differ across each UK nation.
In England, there are three standards. The 28 day Faster Diagnosis Standard states that people should have cancer ruled out or receive a diagnosis within 28 days of an urgent cancer referral. The 31 day standard states that people with cancer should begin their treatment within 31 days of a decision to treat their cancer. The 62 day standard states that people with cancer should begin treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral.
If you live in any of the other UK nations a quick Google will give you their time standards.
Given the above, if you live in England you should see someone within 28 days of your GP refering you and, if treatment is needed this should happen within 62 days of your GP refering you.
If you get close to the 28 days and you don't have an appointment, then get back in touch with your GP so they can chase it up.
Let us know how you get on
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Sorry to hear you couldn't get an appointment with your GP.
I'll be keeping everything crossed for you. Do let me know how you get on.
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
