Dermatology Consultant to run her first marathon to help those with skin cancer

Jennifer Garioch, Consultant Dermatologist from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) is to run the Edinburgh Marathon to raise money for items such as a confocal microscope which can diagnose skin cancer without the need for a biopsy.

Jennifer said “At the NNUH we are fortunate to already have sophisticated diagnostic equipment but the new confocal microscope will allow us to improve the already successful service in place. As a dermatology consultant, I see the importance of detecting this cancer early and wanted to help my team and patients by fundraising myself by running the Edinburgh Marathon.

“This will be the first marathon I have ever run so will be a challenge for me and will hopefully start us on the path to fundraising for the Skin Cancer fund, part of the hospital charity.”

Around 13,300 cases of malignant melanoma (a type of skin cancer) were diagnosed in 2011 in the UK, which is 37 people every day. Melanoma can grow quickly and can spread if detected late. A confocal microscope can diagnose melanoma in its earliest stages allowing it to be treated before it develops the potential to spread thus improving the outlook for patients who are diagnosed with melanoma.

The confocal microscope can examine the upper layers of the skin and can detect skin cancer cells which cannot be seen on normal skin examination. It allows skin doctors to diagnose skin cancers such as melanoma in their earliest stages whilst the skin cancer is still small and curable. At the moment, suspected skin cancers have to be removed surgically and examined by a pathologist using a conventional microscope. The confocal microscope not only allows early detection of skin cancer but it can prevent unnecessary excisions which can leave scars.

Louise Cook, NNUH fundraising manager, said: “We are thrilled that a member of the NNUH team has decided to support the skin cancer fund, part of the hospital charity and within and an area of the hospital close to Jennifer’s heart and specialty”.

The Edinburgh Marathon is on 31st May.

If you would like to make a donation http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/finalCharityHomepage.action?charityId=1003349&pageId=353222 for more information about the marathon visit http://www.edinburgh-marathon.com/