Dundee United player Jordan Moore has revealed how he struggled to get doctors to diagnose his skin cancer.
The 20-year-old striker had to seekseveral medical opinions regarding ableeding mole before it was finally agreed to have a biopsy done.
The bad news came back that Jordan had melanoma skin cancer.
Having undergonesurgery, he has now been given the all clear and will forever be grateful for the treatment and care he received.
Nevertheless, having had to persevere as he did, he is warning that anyone who suspects something is wrong should keep pushing for answers.
“I had a mole, which was just a little freckle to start with but it grew into a mole,” said Jordan, who was playing on loan at Dunfermline at the time.“People were telling me to get it checked because it was getting bigger but I put it off.
“It started bleeding so I went to thedoctor, but he said it was nothing.I actually went to three or four doctors and they all said the same thing. None of them thought it was anything to worry about.
“They thought it looked like a regular mole but I kept going back and they took a biopsy in January.Once they sent that away I got a call to come in for the results.
“I took my mum and dad with me and they (the medical staff) told me I hadmelanoma skin cancer, which is the worst kind you can get.The doctors were shocked when it came back as cancer.”
He continued: “I wasn’t prepared for it at all because even when I got the biopsy done they said there was a 90% chance it would benothing.
“I didn’t know a thing about it so IGoogled it as soon as I came out of thesurgery, but that was the worst thing to do.
“I just read the first line and closed the page because I didn’t want to read it.
“I knew I had to be strong for my mum and dad but they burst into tears, which was harder for me.
“I went out and spoke to (Dunfermline coach) Neil McCann on the phone and that’s when I started crying.
“I didn’t know what else to do, myemotions took over.All I can say to people is that if they have any moles they think might besomething to go and get it checked out.”
The love and support of mother Angela and father Gordon have been crucial in his recovery but he also stressed the important roles played by team-mates, coaches and management.
The United players wore T-shirts bearing his image at a game against Motherwell, while there was a similar gesture from the Pars.
“I will never be able to repay everyone for the support they gave me,” he said.