YouTuber Ninja was diagnosed with cancer at age 32 after doctors noticed an unusual mark during a routine checkup.
The Illinois professional player, also known as Tyler Blevins, revealed that he is battling skin cancer in X last night.
The 32-year-old said that during a routine checkup that his wife Jessica urged him to go for, doctors noticed a mole on the bottom of his foot. The mole was later identified as melanoma, which is cancerous and the third most common type of skin cancer.
The Fortnite player wrote: ‘Alright, I’m still a little in shock, but I want to keep you all updated. A few weeks ago I went to a dermatologist for an annual skin and mole check that Jess proactively scheduled for me.
‘There was a mole on the bottom of my foot that they wanted to remove just to be careful. “It turned out to be melanoma, but they are optimistic that we caught it in the early stages.”
YouTuber Ninja (pictured) was diagnosed with cancer at age 32 after doctors noticed an unusual mark during a routine checkup.
The 32-year-old (right) said that during a routine checkup that his wife Jessica (left) urged him to attend, doctors noticed a mole on the bottom of his foot. The mole was later identified as melanoma, which is cancerous and the third most common type of skin cancer.
He added: “I had another dark spot appear nearby, so today they did a biopsy and removed a larger area around the melanoma in the hope that under the microscope they will see clear edges that are not melanoma and we will know we have it.”
“I’m grateful to have hope to find this early, but take it as a PSA for getting skin checks.”
The shocking news about Ninja’s cancer was followed by an outpouring of well wishes from other internet personalities and fans on social media.
Fellow gamer and streamer SypherPK commented: ‘Hoping for the best. Much love to Jess for being proactive too.”
Jack Dunlop, also known as CouRage on YouTube, wrote: “Love you bro.” Praying for you.’
Also popular in the Fortnite community are Nick Eh 30, who told Ninja he was “sending him the best vibes,” and Pluto V2, who added, “Praying for you, Tyler.” (Well done) Jess for making them see it.’
Another streamer, DansGaming, said: ‘I’m glad you caught it early! This same procedure would have saved my mother’s life if it had been caught in time.’
Popular streamer Jordan Payton, also known as LEGIQN, said: ‘Pray is fast and they get rid of it easily!
“You’ve got this and good for Jess for keeping up with the checkups.”
Twitch content creator Jake’n’Bake wrote: ‘Thanks for keeping people in the loop. And he hopes that everything could have been removed without further problems.’
Other content creators shared their own experiences with melanoma in Ninja’s post on X.
By discussing his diagnosis online, the player inspired some users to check their own brands.
Jake also revealed that he recently had his own experience with cancer, adding: “I recently had basal cell carcinoma removed from my scalp and am now trying to stay on top of routine skin checks.” Everyone use your sunscreen!’
Influencer Lex, also known by her username Madeyewlook, also talked about having melanoma.
She commented: ‘I had melanoma on my lower back a few years ago, it’s VERY scary to hear. Areas that do not receive sun and have moles are sports that need to be paid special attention to.
‘It’s funny, I wanted mine removed from my lower back just because it was in the center of my body and it was driving me crazy. Good thing.’
‘About three years ago they took it away from my face. Very scary scenes, but now I have an incredible scar, it almost looks like a battle wound. Prayers for you,” streamer DunkinHonut said.
Ninja told his fans: “I’m grateful to have hope to find this early, but take this as a public service announcement to get your skin checked.”
Ninja (pictured) inspired others by sharing his diagnosis. Streamer AstroAceTV said: “I’ve had one for a few years and this makes me want to get it checked out now because it’s better to know than not.” Thanks for (raising) awareness, sending you all the good vibes, Ninja.”
Ninja Inspired Others to Have Doctors Check Their Own Moles Regularly
Celebrities who have also been diagnosed with malignant melanoma include Hugh Jackman, Khloe Kardashian, Bob Marley, Andy Cohen, Diane Keaton, Ewan McGregor, Molly-Mae Hague, Caitlyn Jenner and Teddi Mellencamp.
By talking about his diagnosis online, Ninja inspired some users to check out their own brands.
Streamer AstroAceTV said: “I’ve had one for a few years and this makes me want to get it checked out now because it’s better to know than not.” Thanks for (raising) awareness, sending you all the good vibes, Ninja.”
‘I keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I have never even considered a skin check. I hope others like me take this as a valuable lesson and talk to our doctors about it,” wrote a user named Luck.