My personal journey with uveal melanoma began when I was diagnosed and treated for a medium-sized tumour in my right eye at the age of 31 years old. Despite the severity of a uveal melanoma diagnosis, I have been denied access to routine surveillance scanning through the National Health Service (NHS).

Only those deemed “high” risk are offered routine scans. Most of these people are typically much older (65+). 

The NHS surveillance guidelines are at odds with countries such at the US (NCCN guidelines) and Australia, where people usually receive an MRI or an ultrasound of their abdomen every 6 months.

Costs to have an MRI privately in the UK range from £600-1,000.* This is unaffordable for the vast majority of people. Not to mention the cost of having a follow up consultation with a private oncologist (£200-350) to receive the results. 

Uveal melanoma is a rare but aggressive form of eye cancer. It has a propensity to spread and is associated with low survival rates for patients. There are no adjuvant treatments or stage 4 curative treatments available, making it crucial to monitor this disease closely for any signs of metastasis. Yet, we are being denied this essential service.

According to Cancer Research UK, there are around 700 new uveal melanoma cases diagnosed every year. Each one of these patients deserves access to regular surveillance scanning as part of their treatment plan. The current approach to only scan high risk patients not only puts peoples’ lives at risk but also adds unnecessary stress and anxiety to an already difficult journey.

We call on the NHS and health policymakers to rectify this situation immediately by ensuring all uveal melanoma patients have access to routine surveillance scanning.

It's not just about extending our lives in the eventually of advanced cancer; it's about upholding our rights as patients and including us in the decision making process about our health. 

Please sign this petition today and help us bring about much-needed change for those living with a uveal melanoma diagnosis.

This petition is not affiliated with any charity or body. It is purely patient driven. 

*including a contrast injection.