American gamer and Twitch superstar Tyler “Ninja” Blevins recently announced that he has been diagnosed with melanoma, a form of skin cancer. Blevins, who has a massive following of 19 million Twitch followers, shared the news in a post on X. He expressed his shock and emphasized the importance of routine skin checkups. Blevins' dermatologist discovered the melanoma after removing a mole on his foot during a regular skin check. Fortunately, the doctors are optimistic that the cancer was caught in its early stages.

In recent years, there has been a concerning trend of prominent cancer diagnoses in individuals under the age of 50. The exact cause of this trend is unknown, but researchers believe that changes in risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, air pollution, obesity, and a lack of physical activity and healthy diet, may contribute to the increased risk of cancer at a younger age. This highlights the importance of regular checkups and taking preventive measures to reduce the risk of cancer.

Blevins' diagnosis specifically involves melanoma, which is a rare type of skin cancer that accounts for a significant number of skin cancer deaths. While only about 1% of skin cancer cases are melanoma, it has the tendency to spread to other parts of the body, leading to more fatalities. Although the average age of melanoma diagnosis is 66, it is not uncommon among young adults, especially young women. Risk factors for melanoma include lighter skin color, exposure to UV light, having multiple moles, a family history of melanoma, and personal history of melanoma or other skin cancers.

To prevent skin cancer, it is crucial to use sun protection, avoid direct sunlight during midday, and steer clear of tanning beds. Regular self-exams of the skin can help identify any new, suspicious spots that may require further evaluation by a dermatologist. While routine skin cancer screening is not recommended for adolescents and adults without symptoms, it is important to document and monitor any changes in moles or skin spots. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests using the ABCDE method (asymmetry, irregular border, varying color, diameter, evolving) to identify potential signs of melanoma.