Pictured: Dr Simon Reid MB ChB FRCGP

An initiative aimed to encourage people to have skin checks on moles has been hailed a huge success by a Shropshire skin clinic after two patients were found to have a skin cancer, both of which have since been successfully removed.

'Find-out-Fridays' was launched in July by The Skin Clinic at The Dental Spa on Oxon Business Park in Shrewsbury. The clinic offered appointments every Friday for skin checks, which were carried out by the clinic's Authorising Medical Officer, Dr Simon Reid. 

Out of 14 people who attended the Friday appointment sessions, four needed referral for treatment and two needed to have a skin cancer removed at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

Dr Reid, who holds a Certificate in Dermoscopy and is a member of the International Dermoscopy Society, used magnification and polarised light to enable a more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of skin lesions. 

"Whilst moles, cysts and skin tags are extremely common on the face and other parts of the body," said Dr Reid, "skin cancers are on the increase so it is advisable to get them checked out. Using the latest minor surgical techniques, mole removal is a relatively painless and simple procedure, with minimal scarring and often without the need for stitches."

Julie Griffiths, Senior Patient Advisor at The Skin Clinic, said: "As well as the incidents of skin cancer we also treated six people with cryo therapy for sun damage. The number of people needing treatment was quite staggering, but unfortunately it is a sign of the times we live in. The realisation of this, however, often doesn't dawn until the effects of such as sun damage become an obvious problem - which is why we encourage skin checks."

As a result of the initiative's success The Skin Clinic is continuing its Find-Out-Friday sessions. Anyone wishing to make an appointment for a skin check should call 01743 343433.