Twitch's Biggest Streamer 'Ninja' Shares His Skin Cancer Diagnosis

(CNN) — American gamer and Twitch superstar Tyler “Ninja” Blevins has been diagnosed with melanoma, a skin cancer.

The 32-year-old, who has 19 million followers on Twitch, shared her diagnosis in a message. In X This Tuesday. “I'm still a little shocked, but I want to let you all know,” she explained in the post.

After removing a mole on the bottom of his foot during a routine skin exam, his dermatologist determined Blevins had melanoma.

“They're hopeful because we caught it in the early stages,” Blevins wrote in the message.

“Ninja” added that doctors will biopsy a second dark spot near the original mole and remove a large area around the melanoma to determine if they've been able to remove all the cancerous tissue.

“I'm grateful for the hope that we caught this early, but take this as a warning to get your skin checked,” Blevins said in his message.

Blevins and his wife, Jessica Blevins, said in a statement to CNN: “I wanted to use my platform to bring attention to the importance of regular skin checks. We are very hopeful and will keep you all posted as we discuss more with our doctors.

Blevins' statement comes after a recent wave Cancer diagnosis Among well-known individuals under 50 years of age, A Worrying trend That is revealed all over the world.

No one knows exactly what is causing this trend, but The researchers propose We consider changes in the types of risk factors that increase the risk of cancer at a young age. Smoking, alcohol consumption, air pollution, obesity, lack of physical activity and a diet with few fruits and vegetables are the main risk factors for cancer. According to the World Health Organization.

What is Melanoma?

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States: one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. According to the American Academy of Dermatology

Blevins was diagnosed with melanoma, a rare type of skin cancer — accounting for only 1% of cases — but the cause of most skin cancer deaths. Melanoma starts in the skin, but has a tendency to spread to other parts of the body, causing high mortality. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of America.

The average age of melanoma diagnosis is 66 years, but it is not uncommon for it to be identified in younger people. In fact, it is one of the most common cancers in this age group, especially in women, according to American Cancer Society.

between risk factors Risk factors for melanoma include having pale skin, exposure to ultraviolet light, having multiple moles, a family history of melanoma, and a personal history of melanoma or other skin cancers, according to the American Cancer Society.

How to prevent skin cancer

American Academy of Dermatology Recommends Use sun protection, avoid direct sunlight in the afternoon, and avoid tanning beds to prevent skin cancer.

“Whether you expose yourself to the sun's UV rays or visit an indoor tanning salon, every time you tan, your skin is damaged,” explains the American Academy of Dermatology on its website. “As this damage accumulates, you accelerate the aging of your skin and increase your risk of all types of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.”

The group advises people to do regular skin self-exams and to see a dermatologist if they notice any new, suspicious spots on their skin.

Currently, US Preventive Services Task Force. Routine skin cancer screening is not recommended for asymptomatic teens and adults, so insurance does not cover specific visits for this purpose. However, if a person has suspicious spots on the skin or any other symptoms that may indicate skin cancer, they should consult their primary care physician or dermatologist.

How to do a skin self-exam

An important part of a thorough skin cancer screening is documenting moles and other skin spots and watching for changes, the association says.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a full-length mirror to see the front, back, and sides of your body. Next, take a close look at your armpits, forearms, palms, feet, between your toes, and on the soles of your feet. A hand mirror can be used to check the neck, scalp, back and buttocks.

Summary A. B. C. D. E Signs of melanoma can be used to diagnose: A for asymmetry, B for irregular border, C for variable color, D for diameter, E for evolution. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends seeing your dermatologist if your moles or pigment spots have any of these characteristics.