Faces Skin Cancer – Popular American gamer and Twitch star, Tyler “Ninja” Blevins, shared that doctors found he has melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
Famous Twitch Streamer, Faces Skin Cancer Diagnosis
The 32-year-old, who has 19 million followers on Twitch, revealed his diagnosis in a post on Tuesday.
“In the post, Blevins expressed optimism, stating, ‘They think we caught it early.'”
He mentioned that doctors also took a sample from another dark spot close to the first mole. They also cut out a big area around the melanoma to check if they had removed all the cancerous tissue.
“We wanted to highlight how crucial routine skin checkups are,” said Blevins and his wife, Jessica, in a statement to CNN. “I’m grateful I caught this early, but I urge everyone to schedule regular skin examinations.”
Blevins’ post comes after a string of notable cancer diagnoses in individuals under 50, a worrying trend seen worldwide.
Researchers believe that certain changes in the things that can make us sick might be causing more young people to get cancer. Things like smoking, drinking too much alcohol, breathing in dirty air, being overweight, not moving around enough, and not eating enough fruits and veggies are some of the main things that can raise the chance of getting cancer, according to the World Health Organization.
What exactly is melanoma?
Skin cancer is very common in the United States, with 1 out of every 5 Americans likely to develop it during their lifetime, as reported by the American Academy of Dermatology.
Blevins has melanoma, a rare form of skin cancer, making up only about 1% of skin cancer cases. Yet, it is accountable for the majority of fatalities associated with skin cancer. Melanoma starts in the skin but often spreads to other body parts, leading to higher mortality rates, as stated by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Melanoma is typically diagnosed around age 66 on average, but it’s also quite common among young adults, especially young women. In fact, it’s one of the most frequently occurring cancers in this age group, according to the American Cancer Society.
According to the American Cancer Society, several factors can increase the risk of developing melanoma. These include having lighter skin color, which tends to be more susceptible to damage from UV light exposure. Additionally, individuals with many moles on their skin are at higher risk, as are those with a family history of melanoma. Furthermore, having a personal history of melanoma or other types of skin cancers also raises the risk level. These factors underscore the importance of sun protection and regular skin checks for early detection and prevention of melanoma.
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How can skin cancer be prevented?
The American Academy of Dermatology advises everyone to take steps to prevent skin cancer. This includes using sun protection whenever you’re outside, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses. It’s also important to avoid being in direct sunlight during midday when the sun’s rays are strongest. Additionally, steer clear of tanning beds entirely, as they can increase the risk of skin cancer. By adhering to these suggestions, you can safeguard your skin and lower the risk of skin cancer.
“When you tan, whether it’s from the sun or a tanning salon, your skin gets harmed. This damage adds up over time, making your skin age faster and raising your chances of getting skin cancer, including melanoma, which is the most serious kind.”
The group recommends doing skin checks regularly and visiting a dermatologist if you spot any new or odd-looking marks on your skin.
The US Preventive Services Task Force doesn’t suggest regular skin cancer checks for teens and adults who don’t have any symptoms. That means insurance might not pay for appointments just for this. But if you notice any weird spots on your skin or anything else worrying, it’s important to chat with your main doctor or a skin specialist.
How can one perform a thorough skin self-check?
It’s important to keep track of moles and other spots on your skin to screen for skin cancer. Make sure to document them and pay attention to any changes, advises the association.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends utilizing a full-length mirror to thoroughly examine the front, back, and sides of your body. Take a closer look at areas like your underarms, forearms, palms, legs, between your toes, and the soles of your feet. You can use a hand mirror to check harder-to-see spots like the back of your neck, your scalp, and your backside.
The ABCDE acronym serves as a helpful tool in identifying potential signs of melanoma. Each letter corresponds to a characteristic to watch for: A for asymmetry, B for irregular border, C for varying color, D for diameter, and E for evolving. If you notice any of these features in your moles or pigment spots, it’s advised by the American Academy of Dermatology to seek consultation with your dermatologist. Being vigilant about changes in your skin can aid in early detection and treatment of melanoma, a potentially serious form of skin cancer.
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