By Isle of Wight Observer
Island MP Richard Quigley has secured a Backbench Business debate in the House of Commons to push for urgent changes in how excised moles are handled – calling for mandatory testing of all removed moles, whether taken off privately or by the NHS.
He is bringing forward the debate in partnership with South Norfolk MP, Ben Goldsborough, who is currently undergoing treatment for Stage 2C skin cancer. The date of the debate has not yet been confirmed.
Their campaign was inspired by the story of Zoe Penayi, a 26-year-old Islander who died in 2020, just 55 days after being diagnosed with melanoma. Zoe had raised concerns with her GP twice and was told there was “nothing to worry about.” She later paid privately to have the mole removed, but it was not sent for testing – a step that could have detected the cancer earlier, potentially saving her life.
Ben Goldsborough said: “This campaign is incredibly close to my heart. Without a biopsy, I wouldn’t be here today.”
The MPs are now calling for a national protocol requiring all removed moles to be tested. They argue this would lead to earlier cancer detection, save lives and reduce future NHS treatment costs.
Richard Quigley added: “We believe no one should go through what Zoe and her family went through. Her story must lead to change.”
They hope the debate will prompt action from health ministers, improve early diagnosis, and ensure that patient concerns are taken seriously across the board.
