Lack of GP training puts skin cancer sufferers at risk

18th, July 2008

Skin cancer sufferers’ cancer could spread or they could be left scarred because GPs need more training on surgical excision, according to the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD).

The BAD is calling for more training and support after studies in hospitals across the UK found that half of skin cancers were incompletely removed by GPs and some GPs do not have the technical competence to undertake surgical excision safely.

Surgical excision is the most common treatment for skin cancer. If the cancer is not completely removed, this can lead to recurrence and further surgery, which can be technically more difficult and cause more scarring. Melanoma is more likely to spread if not completely removed.

The BAD is calling for more awareness of National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidance introduced in 2006, which stresses that all doctors who knowingly treat skin cancer patients in the community should be members of the local hospital skin cancer multidisciplinary team, to allow for on-going medical education and review.

The British Association of Dermatologists have also drawn attention to a further study in Norfolk, which found that over a six-month period in 2007, 80 melanomas were operated on in primary and secondary care. 13 percent of these were incompletely excised or biopsied in primary care. Furthermore, of those that were incompletely excised or biopsied, 60 percent were suspicious of melanoma at the time of operation, based on their symptoms.

Dr David Shuttleworth, Clinical Vice-President of the British Association of Dermatologists, said: "These audits show that skin cancers can be extremely difficult to diagnose and treat, so it makes sense that GPs who wish to treat skin cancers should receive increased training and support.

"The NICE guidance simplifies the process by allowing all high risk BCCs and other skin cancers to be referred straight to specialists. However, the guidance has not been widely publicised so many doctors may not be aware of its existence."

Lack of GP training puts skin cancer sufferers at risk

Skin cancer sufferers’ cancer could spread or they could be left scarred because GPs need more training on surgical excision, according to the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD).

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