Manchester student’s skin cancer shock at conference after seeing similar mole on screen

But when the PhD student was confronted by a similar mole on a big screen at a Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute conference, she immediately booked an appointment to see her GP.

Alexia’s GP sent her to the dermatologist – but neither the GP or dermatologist seemed overly concerned by the mole which they assumed was pre-cancerous.

In December 2022 Alexia had the mole surgically removed and assumed all had gone well.

However, she was shocked to receive a phone call two months later to be told tests on the mole had found it was a malignant melanoma. Alexia was aged just 23 at the time.

Alexia, who is now 25, needed further surgery in the same area to ensure all the cancerous tissue had been removed.

She has remained fit and well since the diagnosis, but is now vigilant at checking her moles and has regular check-ups.

Alexia, whose PhD in Cancer Sciences has been funded by Cancer Research UK, will complete her studies in Manchester in August and needs to complete two more years of Medicine before becoming a doctor.

Thanks to her own experience of cancer, she is encouraging as many people as possible to sign up for Race for Life to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Money raised at Race for Life will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease - to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.

Alexia said: “Thank goodness I attended the conference or I would have delayed seeing the GP even further.

“It was only when I looked up and saw something on the big screen which was very similar to what was on my neck, that I realised I needed to see a doctor.

“Being told I had malignant melanoma was such a huge shock as I was only 23.

“I would always urge anyone who suspects something isn’t right with their body to see a GP and be persistent.

“And I would like to thank everyone across the North West who supports Race for Life. Your fundraising boosts research to help people like myself facing a cancer diagnosis. The funding also helps to pay for research students like myself working hard to help future generations facing a cancer diagnosis.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, raises millions of pounds every year across the UK to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

People of all ages and abilities are welcome to take part.

Race for Life events which will be held at:

Haigh Country Park, Wigan – Wednesday May 7

Heaton Park, Manchester – Saturday May 10 and Sunday May 11

Woodbank Park, Stockport – Sunday July 6

Tatton Park, Cheshire- Saturday July 26 and Sunday July 27

Every year around 44,700 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West.

Cancer Research UK funded scientists led the development of the Human Papillomavirus Virus vaccine, which is expected to prevent almost 90 per cent of cervical cancers in the UK. The charity was a key player in the development of radiotherapy which now benefits millions of cancer patients worldwide. Cancer Research UK played a leading role in the development of abiraterone - a drug that gives men with advanced prostate cancer more time with their friends and family.

Jane Bullock, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the North West, said: “We are grateful to Alexia for her support both as a cancer survivor and a researcher.

“Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime** but all of us can support the research that will beat it. We’re proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact. Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years.

“We’d love for as many people as possible across the North West to join us at Race for Life. There is an event for everyone and we mean everyone. Our events are non-competitive which means everyone can have a go- and love every minute. There’s no pressure to finish in a certain time, just give it what you can. Lace up and join in.

“Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer, in it for the medals or just for the fun of fundraising, there is a place for everyone.”

Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, contributing millions of pounds towards life-saving research.

Andy Curran, Chief Executive of Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, said: “We are incredibly proud to continue as headline sponsor for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, with the opportunity to encourage participation across the country.

“By working to raise funds for life-saving research, we can move towards a future where people live longer and better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”

To enter, visit raceforlife.org