A man who served in the navy in the Far East during the second world war recently presented with a large basal cell carcinoma on his left cheek. War veterans are a group of patients commonly afflicted with skin cancer, usually as a result of service in the Far or Middle East before the importance of sun protection was recognised. Such patients are usually entitled to an additional war pension, but many veterans referred for plastic surgery for skin cancer have not been put in touch with theUK Veterans Agency. Ask about military history and make this group of patients aware of the possible extra payment. The Veterans Agency (tel 0800 1692277; www.veterans-uk.info/pensions/pensions.html) can supply information leaflets to surgeries and clinics.
