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BCC and other concerns but waiting list is worrying me

MRSC83
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I struggle with my mental health and anxiety and have had some CBT in past which worked but I'm unable to get in the right head space to try strategies.

2 weeks ago I was informed I have BCC on my upper arm and am now on a waiting list of a few months for my GPs minor surgery clinic. I have 2 small boys 2 and 5 year old who I can't help but worry about and cry everytime I'm around them as I don't know how sever the BCC is, given its been there a few years now and I didn't think at the time to mention but the pearly spot on my nose has been there decades and only just though that could be worth mentioning. Now thoughts are spiralling into what if I've left it too long and it's spread which I know is rare but I can't help worry as I'm high risk with having years of PUVA treatment when I was younger.

My GP practice has never really been too approachable to be honest and when I ran this morning it was a case of there is a waiting list .

  • Hello, and thank you for posting.

    I am sorry you are worried about your diagnosis. It is hard when we have young children and are worried about our own health. our minds can race to all sorts of places that aren't necessarily the reality. Hopefully, I can reassure you in some way.

    As you will see from our website information on Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is very much a category of its own, as it does not behave in the same way as other cancers. It does not need to be treated with the same urgency and is incredibly common. Those who are fair-skinned, red-headed, spend a lot of time in the sun, or have had previous UV light treatments can all be at risk, but these cancers can be removed and usually do not cause further problems.

    If you have had a BCC, you are more likely to get others, but having a good routine of keeping an eye on your skin and reporting any changes to your doctor will help.

    It may also help to read this BCC information from the British Association of Dermatologists.

    Take care, and if you want to talk things through with the nurses on the helpline, call 0808 800 4040. Lines are open Monday-Friday, 9-5.

    Sarah.

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