Renowned US streamer Tyler "Ninja" Blevins, celebrated for his prowess in Fortnite and commanding a staggering 19 million followers on Twitch, has taken to social media to share a deeply personal revelation.
In a candid post on X, the 32-year-old disclosed his recent diagnosis of melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
Ninja recounted how a routine visit to the dermatologist for his annual mole check-up led to the discovery. A seemingly innocuous mole on the underside of his foot was removed, only to return with alarming news - it was cancerous. Further examination revealed another ominous dark spot, prompting a wave of concern among his legions of fans.
Despite the shock of the diagnosis, Ninja maintains a resilient spirit, expressing gratitude that the cancer was detected in its early stages. He now implores others to prioritize regular check-ups, echoing the importance of vigilance in matters of health.
This revelation comes amidst Ninja's indelible mark on the gaming and streaming landscape, particularly his notable return to Twitch in 2020 following a brief stint on Microsoft's Mixer platform, which shuttered its operations in June of the same year.
His influence extends beyond gaming, with appearances on mainstream platforms like The Masked Singer US, showcasing his widespread appeal.
Melanoma, a cancer that originates in the skin and can potentially metastasize to other organs, underscores the importance of sun safety measures, as emphasized by health authorities.
The NHS advises individuals, especially those with fair skin, numerous moles, or a family history of skin cancer, to exercise caution in sun exposure and adopt preventive measures such as sunscreen application.
While surgery remains the primary treatment for melanoma, cases where the cancer has spread may necessitate chemotherapy, highlighting the gravity of Ninja's health battle.
