Video game superstar Tyler Blevins, known as Ninja, shocked fans this week by revealing his recent diagnosis of melanoma, a form of skin cancer. The 32-year-old shared on social media that a mole on his foot was removed during a routine checkup with a dermatologist, and the results came back as melanoma.
Despite the scary news, Mr. Blevins remains optimistic as doctors believe they caught the cancer in its early stages. He also mentioned that a second dark spot on his foot was removed and is currently being examined for any signs of melanoma.
With a massive online following, Ninja has made appearances on popular shows like “The Masked Singer” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” Now, he plans to use his platform to raise awareness about skin cancer and the importance of regular checkups.
Skin cancer is a common but often survivable disease. While basal and squamous cell carcinomas are more common, melanoma is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. Early detection is key, especially for those with lighter skin tones and a history of sun exposure.
The American Cancer Society estimates that over 100,000 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the United States this year, with around 8,000 resulting in death. It’s important for individuals to regularly check their skin for any changes and consult a dermatologist if anything suspicious is found.
As Mr. Blevins undergoes treatment for melanoma, he hopes his story will encourage others to prioritize their health and get regular skin checkups. “I’m grateful to have hope in finding this early,” he shared in his post, “but please take this as a PSA to get skin checkups.”
