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'Skin Cancer Stopped Me In My Tracks But New Vaccine Drive Is A Beacon Of Hope'

A health minister who battled skin cancer has said the vaccine trial announced today is a "beacon of hope" for people like her.

Karin Smyth told The Mirror her diagnosis in 2023 "really stopped me in my tracks" - and said a new NHS innovation will affect thousands each year. People with advanced conditions will be fast-tracked into trials of the new melanoma injection, known as iSCIB1+ (Immunobody). Keir Starmer has hailed the breakthrough, saying the innovation is "nothing short of lifesaving".

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Ms Smyth, who had an operation to remove a melanoma lump on her leg in 2023, said: "Receiving my diagnosis for skin cancer really stopped me in my tracks. As someone who has faced the fear and uncertainty of a skin cancer diagnosis, I know how significant today's announcement is.

"This isn't just another clinical trial – it's a beacon of hope for patients facing advanced melanoma and a testament to our commitment to harness the most innovative treatments in our fight against cancer."

The first skin cancer patients are expected to be referred next month after the NHS partnered with UK life sciences firm Scancell to widen access. Around 17,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every year, and around 2,300 die from the disease.

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Ms Smyth described the partnership with UK life sciences firm Scancell as "healthcare innovation at its best". She said: "This government is going to transform cancer care, catapulting it into the modern day and making it fit for purpose."

The Health Minister pointed to Labour's National Cancer Plan, which she said would lead to vast improvements in referral and diagnosis to treatment and aftercare. This is just the start," she said. "The Plan for Change will put the NHS at the forefront of medical innovation."

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The Labour MP urged people to get moles or new growths checked out. She previously said that although she had never been a "sun worshipper", she was encouraged to seek help after an oncologist at a Parliamentary event contacted her worried about a lump on her face.

Although that turned out not to be cancerous, Ms Smyth was diagnosed with melanoma for the growth on her leg. This was removed in November 2023, and she is now in recovery.

NHS national cancer director, Professor Peter Johnson, said: "Skin cancer can have a devastating impact and we know that cancer vaccines have the potential to revolutionise cancer care for patients in this country and across the world - and to save more lives.

"It's incredibly exciting that the NHS is expanding its world-leading programme so more patients with different types of cancer could benefit from the development of new vaccines that could stop their cancer coming back."

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Vogue Williams 'thought She Had Cancer' After Spotting Worrying Change On Knee

Vogue Williams recently shared a health scare that led her to believe she might have cancer after noticing an unusual change on her knee.

The 39-year-old TV presenter observed a lump on her leg. It prompted her to schedule an appointment with her GP for further examination.

However, Vogue revealed she was left feeling slightly red-faced after it turned out the issue was much-more innocuous. Vogue revealed the lump actually turned out to be a cyst.

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According to the NHS, cysts are often harmless and do not need treatment. Although the health service advises people should get "unexplained lumps" checked by a doctor, reports Bristol Live.

During an episode of the Vogue and Amber podcast, Vogue recounted: "I remember I once convinced one of our nannies to take me to the doctor because I had a lump in my knee. I convinced her, because I thought I had cancer, I did."

TV presenter Vogue Williams (Image: GETTY)

"So I went to the doctor and it was a cyst. So that was probably the most stupid thing I went to the doctor for."

Meanwhile, Vogue's sister Amber Wilson shared that she prefers to keep her most embarrassing doctor visits private, although she did mention an incident involving a cyst in her armpit.

She elaborated: "I had a cyst in my armpit before but had to get my boobs out. I went, 'oh God, I don't know about this."

What exactly is a skin cyst?

The NHS describes a skin cyst as a typically round lump containing fluid or pus.

Their guidance states: "They're usually harmless and often do not need treatment. But see a GP if you have an unexplained lump."

Skin cysts can develop on various parts of the body, including the head, face, neck, chest, and back. The NHS also notes that cysts can form on the scrotum or inside the vagina.

According to the health service, cysts often feature a small, dark spot at their centre and may become sore and red if they become infected.

A stock image of a skin cyst (Image: Getty Images)

The NHS explains that a cyst around the knee is often referred to as a "baker's cyst" or a popliteal cyst. This typically occurs when the tissue behind the knee joint becomes inflamed and swollen.

Paracetamol can often alleviate these symptoms, says the NHS. Knee supports or ice packs may also be beneficial.

Alternatively, a knee support can help manage symptoms.

Treatments for a skin cyst

The NHS says skin cysts may not need to be treated if they are not causing any problems. Although infected cysts can be eased with antibiotics while larger cysts can be removed if they are interfering with daily life.

Some individuals may opt to have cysts removed if they are located on visible areas of the body, such as the face. However, the NHS warns that this would likely need to be privately funded.

Even after removal, there is a possibility that new cysts will form, the NHS reports.

What causes skin cysts?

The NHS says anyone can get skin cysts and it is not always known what causes them. They are however not contagious.

However, you are more likely to develop cysts if:.

- A family member also has cysts (particularly pilar cysts).

- You're an adult, particularly in middle age.

- You're a woman.

- You have acne.

- You have a rare condition, such as familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome.

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