'They told me I was fine for years': Reality star opens up about skin cancer diagnosis
Reality TV may be all fun and games, but the star of Bravo’s hottest show wants fans to take their health seriously.
Earlier this week, “Vanderpump Rules” star Ariana Madix walked the red carpet at the iHeart Radio Alter Ego 2019 Music Festival looking stylish in a curve-hugging bodysuit and jean jacket.
The bartender shared red carpet photos to Instagram, but many were quick to spot the star’s noticeable scar on the left side of her chest.
When one fan speculated that her scar resembled a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) often used for chemotherapy, Madix set the record straight.
ALSO SEE: ‘It’s not worth dying over a tan’: Woman’s tanning bed habit led to a hole in her face
A post shared by 🌙 Ariana Madix 🌙 (@ariana252525) on Jan 20, 2019 at 3:43pm PST
“It’s a large removal of skin from October. Luckily, it should heal vertically, but it’s about 4 inches long,” she replied. “The other one is in my pit crack lol.”
On New Year’s Eve, Madix revealed to her more than 1 million followers that she had experienced a cancer scare in 2018.
“I had to have a lil bit o’cancer removed from my body and lymph nodes biopsied,” Madix said.
“Still waiting on biopsy results, lymph node biopsy results. Hopefully next week I get a clear on that,” the 33-year-old continued. “Until then I feel really disgusting.”
Although Madix had stayed relatively tight-lipped regarding the diagnosis, she went on to clarify to fans this week that her procedure was more than just having “a mole removed.”
A post shared by 🌙 Ariana Madix 🌙 (@ariana252525) on Dec 31, 2018 at 3:50pm PST
“Melanoma, not a mole,” she corrected a follower. “Mole removal would be a 1/4 inch scar.”
The Bravo star was also sure to issue a warning to her followers to be their own advocate for their health.
ALSO SEE: What are the three types of skin cancer you should look for?
“When you raise concerns with a doctor, be persistent.” Madix said. “They told me I was fine for years.”
According to the American Skin Cancer Organization, melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer that is “almost always” curable if detected early.
Practicing skin safety throughout the year and performing self exams to spot any new moles or changes to existing moles and growths. Asymmetrical, dark coloured moles, skin lesions that bleed, and scalloped edges of moles are all warning signs that something may be wrong.
People who have had blistering sunburns in early childhood are at an increased risk of developing melanoma, as well as people who live in places with increased sunlight such as Florida, Hawaii and Australia.
Limiting UV exposure by staying out of the sun, wearing sunscreen and avoiding tanning beds are also key factors to minimize your chance of developing skin cancer.
Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA!
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
Check out Yahoo Canada’s podcast, Make It Reign — our hot takes on all things royals in a non-stuffy way — on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.
