A cut from a fence led to my cancer diagnosis - MP

An MP said his skin cancer was discovered after he accidentally cut himself on chicken wire fencing.

Ben Goldsborough, the Labour MP for South Norfolk, said a mole on his arm developed into a lesion after getting caught on the wire - and following a check up with a doctor he was diagnosed with stage two melanoma.

The 34-year-old said he was going public with his condition to explain to his constituents that his work may be impacted while he undergoes treatment.

"It doesn't define you as an individual, but what it does do is open up your eyes to a different way of having to live your life for a little bit of time," he said.

The MP said his prognosis was good and he had already had surgery on his arm.

He is due to undergo a year of immunotherapy, a treatment that boosts the body's own immune system to fight the disease.

Goldsborough, who won the South Norfolk seat from the Conservatives during last year's general election, said he was shocked when he received his diagnosis shortly before Christmas.

"It's the worst out of body experience you ever get. It's like you're present but not there at the same time," he said.

"At 34, this is not one of the things you plan for."

He has continued to work since being diagnosed and praised the support of his family, friends and colleagues such as Chris Bryant – a fellow MP who is also undergoing treatment for cancer.

He added that whilst his treatment may interfere with some of his duties, he had "a fantastic team behind me who are continuing to work every hour God sends".

Cases of skin cancer have risen in recent years, with a yearly average of 19,300 diagnosed between 2020 and 2022.

Last year, Cancer Research UK warned there had been an increase in the number of people aged between 25-49 with melanoma.

Goldsborough admitted he was lucky his cancer was found as a result of "a pesky bit of chicken wire" and urged others to get checked out if they had any concerns.

"Please people, check yourselves. If it doesn't seem right, find out with a doctor," he said.

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