Video game superstar Tyler Blevins, better known as Ninja, shocked fans this week with the news that he has been diagnosed with melanoma, a form of skin cancer. The 32-year-old revealed on social media that a mole was removed from his foot during a routine checkup with a dermatologist, and it came back as melanoma.
Despite the scary diagnosis, Mr. Blevins remains optimistic as doctors believe they caught the cancer in its early stages. A second dark spot was also found on his foot and removed for further testing.
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 to effective treatment, and Mr. Blevins’ story serves as a reminder for everyone to prioritize their health.
The American Cancer Society estimates that over 100,000 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the United States this year, with about 8,000 resulting in death. The risk increases with age, but melanoma is also prevalent in young adults, especially women aged 20-39.
Chief Scientific Officer of the American Cancer Society, William Dahut, advises regular skin checks and the use of sunscreen to prevent skin cancer. He also recommends consulting a dermatologist if anything suspicious is found.
As Mr. Blevins undergoes treatment and raises awareness about skin cancer, he hopes his story will encourage others to prioritize their health and get regular checkups. “Please take this as a PSA to get skin checkups,” he urged in his social media post.
