YouTube star Ninja – real name Richard Tyler Blevins – has given fans a major health update after revealing his shocking skin cancer diagnosis last week.
The online streamer, 32, discovered he had melanoma after a doctor performed a biopsy on a mole on the bottom of his foot that was found during a routine medical checkup.
But on Thursday, Blevins revealed that his margins are “clear” and that he is now cancer-free.
‘Just got news from my dermatologist, great news x 2!’ he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). ‘Excision was successful with clear margins. A nearby biopsy of the lesion showed only mild atypia and was completely removed with the biopsy.
‘As of now, I am officially cancer free ^_^ thank you all for the prayers and kind words over the past week. I love you all.”
YouTube star Ninja – real name Richard Tyler Blevins – has given fans a major health update after revealing his shocking skin cancer diagnosis last week
On Thursday, Blevins revealed that his margins are “clear” and that he is now cancer-free
Ninja revealed his cancer journey to the world on X last Wednesday.
He said that during a routine check-up that his wife Jessica urged him to have, doctors noticed a mole on the bottom of his foot. The birthmark was later identified as melanoma, a type of cancer and the third most common type of skin cancer.
The Fortnite gamer wrote: ‘Okay, I’m still a little shocked, but I want to keep you all informed. A few weeks ago I went to a dermatologist for an annual skin/mole check that Jess proactively scheduled for me.
‘There was a mole under my foot that they wanted to remove out of caution. It came back as melanoma, but they are optimistic we caught it early.”
He added: ‘Another dark spot appeared nearby, so today they biopsied that and removed a larger area around the melanoma in the hope that under the microscope they will see clear non-melanoma borders and that we will know we have it.
“I’m grateful that I have hope to catch this early, but please take this as a PSA for skin checks.”
Ninja’s shocking cancer news was followed by an avalanche of well wishes from other internet personalities and fans on social media.
Fellow gamer and streamer SypherPK said: “I’m hoping for the best. Lots of love to Jess for being proactive too.”
The online streamer, 32, discovered he had melanoma after a doctor performed a biopsy on a mole on the bottom of his foot that was found during a routine medical checkup
The 32-year-old (right) said that during a routine check-up his wife Jessica (left) urged him to go to, doctors noticed a mole on the bottom of his foot. The birthmark was later identified as melanoma, a type of cancer and the third most common type of skin cancer
Jack Dunlop, also known as CouRage on YouTube, wrote: “I love you brother. Pray for you.”
Also popular in the Fortnite community are Nick Eh 30, who told Ninja he was “sending the best vibes his way,” and Pluto V2, who added, “I’m praying for you, Tyler.” (Good job) Jess, for looking at that.”
Another streamer, DansGaming, said: ‘Glad you caught it early! This procedure would have saved my mother’s life if they had caught it early enough.”
Popular streamer Jordan Payton, aka LEGIQN, said, “Praying it’s quick and they get off easy!
“You got this and good for Jess for keeping up with the checks.”
Twitch content creator Jake’n’Bake wrote: “Thanks for keeping people informed. And hopes that everything can be removed without further problems.’
Jake also revealed that he recently had his own experience with cancer, adding: ‘I recently had a basal cell carcinoma removed from my scalp and am now trying to keep up with routine skin checks. Wear your sunscreen everyone!’
Influencer Lex, also known by her username Madeyewlook, also spoke out about melanoma.
She said: ‘I had melanoma on my lower back a few years ago, it’s so scary to hear. Areas that don’t get sun and have moles are areas to keep an eye on.
‘Funnily enough, I wanted to remove mine from my lower back just because it was in the middle of my body and it was driving me crazy. Good thing.’
By talking about his diagnosis online, the gamer inspired some users to get their own numbers checked
Ninja (pictured) inspired others by sharing his diagnosis. Streamer AstroAceTV said: ‘I’ve had one for a few years and I want to get it checked now because it’s better to know than not. Thanks for (raising) awareness, I’m sending all the good vibes your way Ninja.”
‘I had it removed from my face about three years ago. Very scary scenes, but I now have a badass scar, it almost looks like a battle wound. Praying for you,” said Twitch streamer DunkinHonut.
Celebrities who have also been diagnosed with malignant melanoma include Hugh Jackman, Khloe Kardashian, Bob Marley, Andy Cohen, Diane Keaton, Ewan McGregor, Molly-Mae Haag, Caitlyn Jenner and Teddi Mellencamp.
By talking about his diagnosis online, Ninja inspired some users to get their own numbers checked.
Streamer AstroAceTV said: ‘I’ve had one for a few years and I want to get it checked now because it’s better to know than not. Thanks for (raising) awareness, I’m sending all the good vibes your way Ninja.”
“I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I’ve never 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.
