Shore Matters: with Maggie Barry
Skin Cancer Channel: with Dr Grant Coe
Dr Grant Coe.
A tribute to one of the “true gentlemen” of politics
MoleMan is a full service mole and skin cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment facility in Northcote Point. Their skin cancer doctors can map and identify skin cancers on the spot, as well as provide any necessary surgery, treatment and follow-up care. The team at MoleMan aims to provide exceptional patient care, at an affordable price, in a warm, welcoming and friendly environment. Chief MoleMan, Dr Grant Coe, has had extensive experience in skin cancer screening and surgery, both in New Zealand and Australia, and will be answering questions as well as sharing advice, tips and information each month in Channel Magazine.
Could the growth on my nose be a skin cancer? Question: I’m a 60-year-old woman with no previous history of skin cancer. I have spent quite a lot of time in the sun playing sport and gardening over the years and until recently had no concerns about my skin. However, a few months ago a small but raised growth has appeared on my nose, it’s pinkish in colour and you can see blood vessels inside it. Every now and then it bleeds and scabs over but doesn’t completely heal. Is this something I should be concerned about? Or is it likely to go away on its own with time? Dr Coe: What you’ve described is likely to be a basal cell cancer or BCC.
It’s very important that you get this spot checked as soon as possible by a doctor or skin cancer specialist, as they can be highly disfiguring if allowed to continue to grow and it is important that they are removed at the earliest stage possible. BCCs are the most common form of skin cancer in New Zealand and 80% are found on the head and neck, which are areas that receive the most sun exposure. BCCs often look like red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps, open sores or scars. As we get older, the risk of developing a BCC greatly increases, so, particularly for New Zealanders over the age 50, it becomes even more important to get your skin checked annually.
Call the MoleMan team today to enquire about full body skin cancer and melanoma checks with digital dermoscopy (mole mapping) technology on 0800 DR MOLE (376653) or 09 480 6416 or visit www.moleman.co.nz for pricing and frequently asked questions. Dr Coe is also an affiliated provider to Southern Cross for skin cancer surgery and selected services.
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Mole Screening Special! *Mention this ad and get 20% off Pay just $120 inc.GST
Your best defence against skin cancer is early detection Book a full body skin cancer check today. MoleMan has the latest in digital screening technology and provides affordable skin cancer surgery and treatment. Dr Grant Coe MBChB, FRNZCGP, Dip Skin Cancer Med, Dip Skin Cancer Surg.
- The Skin Cancer Doctors 146 Queen Street, Northcote Point Call 09 480 6416 or visit www.moleman.co.nz
I’d like to pay a personal tribute to the former North Shore MP, The Honourable George Gair, who we farewelled early this month. What I’ll remember most about George is his warmth, enthusiasm for life and commitment to this community. He served as MP for nearly a quarter of a century, from 1966 to 1990, was New Zealand’s High Commissioner to London and North Shore Mayor from 1995 to 1998. He led an eventually successful 20-year campaign for a new, fit for purpose North Shore hospital, which has made a difference to the lives of many of us and is a lasting memorial to his tenacity and dedication to doing the right thing. As a Government minister and senior figure in the National Party, he also left an indelible mark on our country. George was renowned for his humility, politeness and integrity throughout his career. As my wise predecessor, he was always willing to share his wisdom with me, and even in the last few months, when it was clear he was very ill, he offered his advice and support. He has left a wealth of fond memories in the hearts of all who knew him, and my thoughts are with his wife of 64 years, Fay, and children Warwick, Linda and Joanne. This past month in the electorate I have been focusing on issues that are important to seniors. After last month’s very successful “Seniors about Seniors” event in Milford, I’m hosting another one this month, with Prime Minister John Key as our guest speaker. To find out details about this free event, please contact Monika in my electorate office and sign up to the mailing list. I enjoyed stimulating conversation over a traditional high tea with the three winners of the Retirement Commissions’ Three Stages of Retirement competition organised by Commissioner Diane Maxwell. The competition was won by Erica Whyte with runners up Liz Hunt and Nicola Deacon. Erica had chosen names for the “three stages of retirement”. ‘Discovery’ from 65-74, when you get to have a go at doing all the things you always meant to get round to, ‘Endeavour’, from 74-84, a chance to explore new talents and make new friends, and ‘Reflection’, 85+, when you make the most of all your memories. Runner up Liz took a more succinct approach with “can do, might do, used to”. Then there’s the “will do” stage of life as we open nominations to select North Shore’s Youth MP for next year’s Youth Parliament. I’m asking potential applicants to produce a 3 minute video on three significant landmarks – one on the North Shore, one in greater Auckland and another from across the country - which they feel best define us as a community, a region and as a nation. I’d like to see some creative videos utilising the digital savvy young people are known for. Our schools also got a boost this month with new funding for Asian language classes. Westlake Boys High School, Takapuna Normal Intermediate, Takapuna and Milford Primary schools received $69,365 to enable more classes in Mandarin, Korean and Japanese through the Asian Language Learning in Schools fund. It’s good to see local schools working together to enhance the education of our young people. As our links with the Asia-Pacific region continue to grow, languages will be crucial for jobs and opportunities in future. Congratulations to Terry Holt as he takes up his new role as CEO of the Takapuna Beach Business Association from Peter White. I was impressed by Terry’s vision for Takapuna’s future.
Maggie Barry.
As always, if there are any issues you would like to discuss please contact Karen or Monika in my electorate office. 09 486 0005.
www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 58 - September 2015
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