Mr Chinnick's Story 

Maurice Chinnick’s story 

During Sun Awareness Week (3-9 May 2021), we’re highlighting the need for people to seek medical advice if they’re worried about anything on their skin. 

During the Autumn of 2007, Mr Chinnick noticed a scaly circular patch of skin on his right cheek which he thought was left from a shaving rash and was nothing suspect. However, in 2008, his wife was going to see a dermatologist about a mole when she encouraged him to also attend to ask about the ‘mole’ type mark on his cheek which hadn’t gone some 12 months later.

The dermatologist confirmed that it was amelanotic melanoma, a cancerous cell that was on his cheek. A few weeks after, he had the cells removed but the story doesn’t end there. 

Two years later, the melanoma came back but was on his scalp; his scalp had to be totally removed. Maurice since went on to develop metastatic melanoma (cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body) in his adrenal glands but underwent surgery in 2010 to have these removed. Maurice was enrolled onto an immunotherapy (a type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer) trial in 2013 and subsequently had further immunotherapy. 

Five years later, Maurice had a right upper lobectomy (an operation on the lung) to remove a melanoma metastasis – a melanoma that has spread to other sites of the body. He remains under follow-up but there’s no current evidence of melanoma, which is a relief for Maurice and his family. 

We spoke to Maurice about his experience and asked if he had any advice for those who may notice unusual marks on their skin, “Check, check, check your body and do not hesitate to contact a Medical Professional with anything of concern. The sooner the better.” 

Now Mr Chinnick’s attitude has changed completely when he’s out in the sun. He wears a minimum factor 50 sunscreen, always wears a hat and keeps covered but comfortable. 

Maurice reflects on his experience of skin cancer over the years, “I feel very fortunate at this stage to have come out the other end and I appreciate every day.” 

If like Maurice you notice something unusual on your skin, albeit a mark or a mole, please do speak to your local GP to get it checked.