Comedian and television star Katherine Ryan has revealed she has been diagnosed with melanoma, marking the second time she has faced the deadly form of skin cancer.
The 41-year-old opened up about the diagnosis in the latest episode of her podcast, “Telling Everybody Everything”, where she reflected on the importance of listening to your body and advocating for your own health.
Ryan explained that she initially became concerned about a mole on her arm, though her doctor had initially reassured her it was likely nothing serious.
“I know you should never Google things, but I’m actually really worried,” she said. “Normally I’m a positive person. I think it’s really easy to take a diagnosis of ‘you’re healthy’ and walk away. But the mole kept changing.”
A Second Battle with Melanoma
Ryan revealed that she had previously battled melanoma at the age of 21, when a flat, small mole on her leg was diagnosed as skin cancer.
“I know a lot about melanoma,” she told listeners. “It is a deadly form of skin cancer and it does spread quickly.”
Despite her doctor’s initial assessment that the new mole was benign, Ryan insisted it be removed and tested. The doctor agreed to perform a shave biopsy and send it for further analysis, highlighting the importance of patient intuition when it comes to personal health.
“I showed pictures of it on my social media. I wanted the doctor to remove it and stitch it up in a straight line, but even when he looked at it, he said, ‘It’s not melanoma, it’s totally fine.’”
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread to other areas of the body, according to the NHS, and is considered more dangerous than non-melanoma skin cancer, which typically develops slowly in the upper layers of the skin.
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world, with Cancer Research UK projecting a significant rise in cases over the next two decades. Public figures including Sarah Ferguson, Hugh Jackman, and Chris Evans have all spoken publicly about their own experiences with the disease.
Know the Signs
Experts advise that early detection is key. Symptoms to look out for include:
- Moles that change shape, size, or colour
- Sores that don’t heal
- New skin growths or patches that itch, bleed, or crust over
A Reminder to Be Proactive
Ryan’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of self-monitoring and early medical intervention. Her candid discussion has already sparked online conversations, with fans praising her for raising awareness about melanoma and encouraging others to take changes in their skin seriously.
For more information and guidance on skin cancer symptoms and prevention, visit the NHS website or speak to a GP if you have any concerns.
