We are The Christie magazine -Edition 5

Pauline Short

When Pauline Short noticed a small, smooth lump on her arm, she wasn’t overly concerned at first. It had appeared gradually and only hurt when the 76-year-old pressed on it. But as it continued to grow, her husband encouraged her to get it checked.

Just before Christmas 2024, Pauline saw a dermatologist, who immediately referred her to a surgeon. The lump was removed in January 2025. Tests confirmed it was a type of non-melanoma skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Although the surgeon was confident all the cancer had been removed, he referred Pauline to The Christie to see if she might be suitable for a new clinical trial. The SCC-AFTER study is looking at whether giving radiotherapy after surgery can reduce the chances of high-risk SCC coming back. Currently, hospitals are taking different approaches because it has not yet been clinically tested whether additional treatment helps. Pauline says she feels very fortunate that her cancer was found early. “You never think it’s going to happen to you,” she says. “I’d never been one to lie in the sun or go on hot summer holidays.” When she came to The Christie in 2025, Pauline learned she was eligible to join the trial. She describes this as a huge relief. “I was very pleased to have that opportunity - for myself, my family, and to help others.” The trial randomly allocates patients to either have radiotherapy or close monitoring. Pauline was placed in the radiotherapy group and received ten sessions over two weeks. She describes the treatment as

straightforward, with only minor skin irritation. Her experience of being on the trial was very positive. “The staff were kind, well organised, and thorough,” she says. The team explained each step clearly, and her specialist nurse phoned regularly to check how she was coping. “He really helped me get through all the questionnaires,” she adds. Since finishing treatment, Pauline is recovering well. She says it's reassuring to know she will be followed up on regularly for the next three years. She also feels strongly that taking part in research is worthwhile. “It feels like the right thing to do. Even if I had been put in the monitoring group, I would have been completely comfortable with that. Studies like this are the best way for researchers to understand how to treat cancer.” The experience has made Pauline more sun aware. She now uses factor 50 sunscreen and always wears a hat in the garden. Pauline, who enjoys gardening and crossword puzzles, recently had a big family get-together with 16 relatives.

"I was very pleased to have that opportunity - for myself, my family, and to help others."

Do you have a story to share? We’d love to hear from you, please get in touch at the-christie.press.office@nhs.net

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