Hi Tippytoes,

I think you have to decide whether telling her now will cause her upset or can you manage to keep it from her? As she lives with you, can you keep your concern from her without her wondering what's going on? Only you can tell.

Bear in mind that, just because your GP thinks you may have skin cancer, it's not always the case. You don't say what type they suspect - if it's basal cell they are often correct as GPs see many patients with this type of skin cancer. It's easily and successfully treated and rarely spreads. If it's suspected squamous cell, again it's usually successfully treated and doesn't often spread. If they suspect melanoma, 75% of patients referred to dermatology are given a clean bill of health - the mole/lesion is either benign or precancerous. 

So, if yours is suspected basal cell or squamous cell, you may want to tell your daughter and explain it should be easily treated. If suspected melanoma, you may wish to not share this until after you've seen the dermatologist and you know more or you may decide to tell her but say that there is a good chance it's found to be harmless. If it's found to be melanoma, there is still a very good chance it's been caught early and can be successfully treated.

Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Hi Tippytoes,

I think you have to decide whether telling her now will cause her upset or can you manage to keep it from her? As she lives with you, can you keep your concern from her without her wondering what's going on? Only you can tell.

Bear in mind that, just because your GP thinks you may have skin cancer, it's not always the case. You don't say what type they suspect - if it's basal cell they are often correct as GPs see many patients with this type of skin cancer. It's easily and successfully treated and rarely spreads. If it's suspected squamous cell, again it's usually successfully treated and doesn't often spread. If they suspect melanoma, 75% of patients referred to dermatology are given a clean bill of health - the mole/lesion is either benign or precancerous. 

So, if yours is suspected basal cell or squamous cell, you may want to tell your daughter and explain it should be easily treated. If suspected melanoma, you may wish to not share this until after you've seen the dermatologist and you know more or you may decide to tell her but say that there is a good chance it's found to be harmless. If it's found to be melanoma, there is still a very good chance it's been caught early and can be successfully treated.

Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)