Sunbed addict is alerted to skin cancer by mole monitoring phone app
Natalie Killian, 39, who used sunbeds five times a week, was told by a GP that the itchy, pink spot was of no concern, but was encouraged to seek medical attention by the SkinVision app
A FORMER sunbed addict was diagnosed with skin cancer after a phone app alerted her to a worrying mole.
Natalie Killian, 39, was told by a GP that the itchy, pink spot was of no concern.
But it had been highlighted by the SkinVision app, which take pictures of moles, keeps track of changes and raises alerts over any which could need checking out.
Mum-of-one Natalie downloaded it because she was worried about her cancer risk.
She used sunbeds five times a week but kicked the habit a decade ago.
The app warned Natalie, of Cannock, Staffs, to seek a doctor’s opinion on the mole on her chest.
But her first GP told her it was fine.
However, the app continued to send warnings.
So Natalie went to a second GP who referred her to a specialist where she was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer.
The graphic designer said: “When the mole became high risk I knew I needed a second opinion.” She had surgery to remove the mole in August and has been given the all-clear.
Natalie said: “If I hadn’t tracked the mole myself, I’m not sure the NHS would ever have acted.”
