Award-winning comedian Katherine Ryan has revealed she has been diagnosed with skin cancer for a second time. The Canadian-born star, 41, shared the news on her podcast Telling Everybody Everything and social media, explaining that she recently had a cancerous mole removed from her arm. She is set to undergo another procedure next week to ensure the melanoma has been fully excised.
Ryan previously battled skin cancer in 2004 while studying in Toronto, when doctors removed a “golf ball-sized” lump from her thigh.
This time, her concerns were initially dismissed by a doctor, who reassured her that the mole was not melanoma. However, she remained vigilant, noting that the mark was changing over time.
“If you know about melanoma, you’ll know it is a deadly form of skin cancer. It does spread quickly, and I just felt like this mole wasn’t right,” Ryan explained.
Despite the doctor’s initial reassurance, Ryan insisted on further testing. When results confirmed an early-stage melanoma, the doctor admitted she had been right to push for more investigation.
“It just feels crazy to me, what could have happened if I hadn’t been my own advocate – and I will continue to be my own advocate,” she said.
Raising Awareness
Ryan credited Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Teddi Mellencamp for prompting her to return to the doctor after Mellencamp publicly shared her own melanoma diagnosis.
“God bless that woman for being so transparent about her journey,” Ryan said.
The comedian, who frequently appears on UK shows such as Live at the Apollo and 8 Out of 10 Cats, emphasized the importance of routine skin checks. She noted that, despite her efforts to protect her “very fair Celtic skin” with sunscreen and covering up, she still faces ongoing concerns, particularly as she has “over 100 moles.”
“What other moles do I need to have checked?” she wondered aloud.
Ryan urged her listeners to prioritize their health, advocating for self-awareness and persistence in seeking medical advice.
“You have to make space in your day for these appointments,” she advised.
A Growing Concern
Her diagnosis comes amid rising melanoma cases in the UK. Cancer Research UK has warned that skin cancer rates continue to climb, partly due to an ageing population and increased awareness of symptoms.
Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop from existing moles or appear as new marks on the skin. While less common than other skin cancers, it is far more aggressive and can spread quickly if not caught early.
Medical experts urge individuals to monitor changes in their skin and seek medical advice if they notice unusual marks, discoloration, or rapid changes in moles.
Ryan’s experience highlights the crucial role of self-advocacy in healthcare, reinforcing the message that early detection can be life-saving.
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