The comedian was initially given the all-clear despite concerns, only for tests to reveal melanoma.
Comedian Katherine Ryan has revealed she has been diagnosed with skin cancer for the second time—despite initially being dismissed by a private doctor.
The 41-year-old, known for her razor-sharp wit, shared her experience on her podcast Telling Everybody Everything, detailing how she repeatedly voiced concerns about a mole on her arm, only to be reassured it was nothing to worry about. But as the weeks passed, the mole continued to change. Trusting her instincts, she sought further medical attention, and tests confirmed her worst fears: it was melanoma.
This isn’t Ryan’s first battle with skin cancer. In her 20s, she was diagnosed with stage two melanoma after discovering an irregular mole on her leg. That, too, was removed, but this latest diagnosis has shaken her.
Doctor’s Dismissal: ‘You’re Healthy, Goodbye’
Ryan initially visited a private clinic where a doctor—who also works for the NHS—examined the mole and confidently assured her it was harmless. “I was in that room for seven minutes, and the doctor was like: ‘I do melanoma on the NHS, it’s all I do, I know all about skin cancer, I’m the man. This is not melanoma, goodbye,’” she recalled.
Relieved, she initially accepted the diagnosis, but as the mole kept changing, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. Despite the doctor’s reassurance, Ryan insisted on having the mole tested.
When the results came back, the same doctor was stunned. “He was shocked. He’s like: ‘It doesn’t look like melanoma, but it is melanoma,’” she recounted.
Raising Awareness: ‘Get Your Moles Checked’
Ryan wasted no time in getting the mole removed. She later took to TikTok to share images of the mole and urge others to trust their instincts when it comes to their health.
“The only reason that they agreed to remove it was because I went to a fancy, private place in South Kensington, and I paid them a grand,” she admitted, expressing doubt that she would have received the same treatment through the NHS.
She now hopes that sharing her experience will encourage others to take skin cancer seriously and push for answers if something doesn’t feel right.
Understanding Melanoma
Melanoma is a dangerous form of skin cancer that can spread rapidly if left untreated. Warning signs include new or changing moles, particularly those with uneven shapes, multiple colours, or irregular borders. Moles that itch, bleed, or become crusty should also be checked by a doctor.
The primary cause of melanoma is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, whether from the sun or artificial sources like sunbeds.
Ryan’s story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance when it comes to skin health. While medical professionals can provide expertise, listening to one’s own body—and pushing for answers when something doesn’t feel right—can be lifesaving.
