The family of a popular young woman from Derry, is raising awareness for skin cancer after the devastation of losing a loved one to the disease.
"She went to the doctors a few times about it and was eventually red flagged over in the skin clinic in Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry. The mole was checked but she was advised that there were no major concerns, but to keep an eye, and if it goes darker, to come back. In between 2016 and 2018, Fiona noticed the mole was getting bigger, and very concerning at this stage.
"She then attended another appointment and was referred to a physio, who told Fiona that she didn't exercise enough. Fiona was told to sign up for a 5K. At this stage, Fiona should have been red flagged because of her symptoms. She was experiencing severe pain and numbness in random places." "It was so aggressive and watching the pain my sister was in will haunt me for the rest of my life. Fiona was was diagnosed in September, and passed away on January 29.
"A scan in 2021 potentially could have seen Fiona's cancer and I will never understand why she was signed off and not even advised to get a scan privately.