Video game sensation Tyler Blevins, popularly known as Ninja, made a startling announcement this week. The 32-year-old revealed on social media that he recently underwent a dermatologist checkup, where a mole on his foot was removed. The diagnosis? Melanoma, a type of skin cancer. However, he shared some positive news, stating that the doctors believe they caught it early.
In a candid social media post, Ninja mentioned that a second dark spot on his foot was also removed, and they were awaiting the lab results hoping for clear non-melanoma edges. Ninja is a leading figure in the video gaming world, gaining fame as the face of the hit game Fortnite. With a staggering 19 million Twitch followers and millions more on other platforms, he's made waves outside gaming too. Ninja even made a memorable appearance in disguise on "The Masked Singer" and played Fortnite with Ellen DeGeneres.
Skin cancer is a serious issue, but many cases, like basal and squamous cell carcinomas, are treatable. Melanoma, though less common, accounts for a majority of skin cancer deaths. The American Cancer Society predicts over 100,000 new melanoma cases this year in the U.S., with around 8,000 resulting in death.
Melanoma risk increases with age and is higher for those with lighter skin. While the average age for diagnosis is 66, it's also prevalent in young adults, particularly women aged 20 to 39. Dr. William Dahut, the American Cancer Society’s chief scientific officer, recommends regular skin checks and sunscreen use, especially for rare melanomas found in unusual places like the palms, soles, or under fingernails.
Ninja intends to use his diagnosis to raise awareness about skin cancer. He urged his followers to get regular skin checkups and emphasized the importance of early detection.
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