Issue date
Nichola Murray could be facing a very different prognosis had she not stopped in at the Melanoma New Zealand spot check van at this year's Oceanbridge NZL Sailing Regatta.
The 48-year-old Auckland pharmacist and mother of two discovered a small pinhead-sized nodule on her shin last year but initially didn't think much of it. By the end of the year it had grown and she knew she should check it out but still put it off until walking past the spot check van stationed outside the Wakatere Boating Club during this year's Oceanbridge NZL Sailing Regatta.
"[Melanoma nurse educator] Gill took one look at the nodule on my leg and said I needed to go to the doctor as soon as possible," Murray said.
The doctor confirmed her worst fears, that she had a stage 3A melanoma which required a wide excision on her leg to remove the growth and a biopsy on her lymph nodes.
"It was tough waiting for the results but, thankfully, it ended at that point as my lymph nodes were all clear and there was no further spread. If I had waited any longer to get it checked out, my prognosis could have been very different. I have two children, aged 12 and 14, and they need their mum.
"I have no doubt that my visit to the spot check van that day saved my life."
Yachting New Zealand worked with Melanoma New Zealand to have the spot check van at Narrow Neck Beach that day Murray's melanoma was caught (pictured) and yachting and boating clubs and businesses can arrange for the van to visit their offices and event. Organisations of more than 20 people can book the van for a visit by emailing office@melanoma.org.nz.
In the first six months of this year, 2142 people were checked at the van, with 324 suspicious lesions found and 33 potential melanomas referred to a specialist.
Groups can also get involved in next month's Melanoma New Zealand awareness campaign, Get Spotted, to help raise awareness of melanoma and the preventative things to help people look after their skin.
Visit Melanoma New Zealand's website to see what initiatives you could do for your own Get Spotted event or fundraiser. They also have innovative colour-changing UV wristbands to buy or sell on their behalf to support the cause.
"If you notice any change to your skin, go and get it checked out by a medical professional," Murrays said. "Waiting too long can cost you your life. As working mums, we are all so time poor and it can be difficult to make time for ourselves.
"It is scary to think that I may not have gotten around to seeing my doctor in time. I am forever grateful to Melanoma New Zealand for the mobile van being there that day.
