I was the barrier: A patient’s perspective on delayed diagnosis of malignant melanoma

This patient viewpoint describes the experience of delayed presentation of malignant melanoma, highlighting patient-related barriers to timely diagnosis, including atypical lesion appearance, fear of diagnosis, and competing professional responsibilities. The accompanying clinician’s comment contextualises the narrative within current UK and Irish epidemiology, emphasising the prognostic importance of early detection and the need for broader awareness of atypical melanoma presentations.