Former England international and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has candidly shared details of his skin cancer diagnosis in 2012, admitting that a combination of 'laziness' and a reluctance often associated with men to seek medical attention led to a significant delay in getting a suspicious mole checked. Merson, now 58, revealed on Good Morning Britain that he 'never' applied sunscreen during his career as a professional footballer, a habit he now attributes to a lack of awareness at the time and concerns about it affecting his play.
Merson explained that the cancerous mole was located on his back, an area not typically exposed during his sunbathing habits, suggesting it developed from incidental sun exposure during daily activities. The issue first came to his attention during a family holiday when one of his children noticed the mole was bleeding. Despite this alarming sign, Merson acknowledged he 'still went home and didn’t do anything about it' for several months, a delay he now attributes to a 'man thing' or fear.
It was only after repeated urging from his doctor that Merson finally agreed to have the mole examined. Following its removal, he received the diagnosis of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. He recounted the procedure, stating he 'had it cut out and had 50 stitches'. The subsequent five years involved a rigorous schedule of two annual scans and twice-yearly check-ups, which he described as a 'scary' period filled with anxiety about the cancer potentially returning.
Merson reflected on the gravity of his situation, revealing that medical professionals informed him that a delay of 'another two or three months' could have rendered treatment options like tablets or chemotherapy ineffective. He described this near-miss as being 'just through pure laziness'. This experience has led him to advocate for greater awareness around skin health and timely medical consultation.
Skin cancer, including melanoma, is a significant public health concern in the UK. According to Cancer Research UK, there are around 16,700 new cases of melanoma skin cancer each year in the UK, with rates having increased by around a third over the last decade. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, with survival rates significantly higher when melanoma is caught in its initial stages. NHS guidelines consistently advise people to check their skin regularly for any new moles or changes to existing ones and to consult a GP if they have any concerns.