'I was only 23... I'd urge anyone who suspects something isn't right to see a GP and be persistent'

Alexia Strickson has urged people to be vigilant around skin cancer after her own close call

A PhD student specialising in cancer sciences has warned people to get themselves checked out after having her own close call with the condition she is studying. Alexia Strickson, 25, noticed that a mole on her lower neck was changing shape, but brushed it off as not enough to see her GP.

But Alexia's view changed quickly when she visited a Cancer Research UK Conference at the Manchester Institute as part of her studies, where an image of a mole was projected onto a screen. Alexia noticed that the mole was alarmingly similar to the one she had dismissed.

Alexia, from Didsbury, immediately booked an appointment with her GP, who referred her to a dermatologist. At first the doctors assumed that the mole was pre-cancerous but in December 2022 Alexia, aged 23 at the time, still had the mole removed.

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Two months later, she received a phone call from her doctor. After conducting tests they had found that it was a malignant melanoma.

Alexia was rushed into surgery to have any cancerous tissue that might remain removed, and has not had any further scares since.

Nonetheless, Alexia shared that she is now far more vigilant with checking herself for any signs that the cancer has come back.

“Being told I had malignant melanoma was such a huge shock as I was only 23," said Alexia. "I would always urge anyone who suspects something isn’t right with their body to see a GP and be persistent."

She added: “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."

Alexia's PhD is funded by Cancer Research UK, and she is due to complete it in August. After passing her doctorate to become a PhD doctor, she will then undergo three more years of study to qualify as a medical doctor.

The student is also taking part in Cancer Research UK's Race for Life to help raise money for the charity.

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.”