Diagnosed at 18: Why Early Skin Checks Save Lives
Alexis' Story
At 21 years old, Alexis has a promising future of possibilities ahead of her. She is in her final year of university, studying Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation. Much of her life involves action and the outdoors. She spends her spare time surfing, stand up paddle boarding, and swimming at the beach. She also enjoys camping and adventure racing.
Alexis is young, educated, healthy, and confident, but melanoma does not discriminate. Her story demonstrates the need for vigilance.
An unexpected diagnosis of Melanoma
Alexis was only 18 when she was diagnosed with melanoma. The discovery happened almost by chance. Her mother had booked a skin check appointment and Alexis decided to go along as well, though she had no cause for concern.
“I had a small mole that was a darker shade to the others, but I wasn’t super concerned.”
During the appointment, the doctor hesitated about whether to take a biopsy. In the end, the mole was removed as a precaution. Within a week, Alexis received a phone call confirming the diagnosis. It was Stage 1 melanoma. At the time she did not fully understand the significance of what she had been told, initially thinking of melanoma as ‘just a form of skin cancer’.
This reaction is not uncommon, and by no means detracts from the seriousness of other forms of skin cancer. Despite the prevalence of melanoma in Australia, many people still have misconceptions about its severity. It was only after speaking with a surgeon that the gravity of the diagnosis began to sink in for Alexis. Learning more about melanoma and the risks it can pose was confronting, particularly given how young she was. She began to wonder what might have happened, if she had not had her skin checked.
Surgical treatment with positive results
Thanks to early detection, Alexis’ treatment was relatively straight forward, involving surgery to remove the cancer. It was not without its challenges and discomforts. She underwent a wide local excision under general anesthetic, leaving her with 72 stitches across her forearm. The margins were considered good and the cancer was contained.
In the months following surgery, Alexis was advised to attend regular skin checks. While the monitoring was going well, she felt she was missing out on information that would help her understand her diagnosis and its implications.
Alexis started seeking facts and additional supports. Eventually she found a specialist who listened carefully and helped connect her with more specialised care at the Melanoma Institute of Australia, where she was provided information about her diagnosis.
“I was told that if I hadn’t treated the melanoma in my arm, it would have progressed very quickly.” This revelation had Alexis questioning what her prognosis might otherwise have been, and inspired her to advocate for awareness and early detection for others.
Making monitoring part of life
Today Alexis attends regular skin checks and scans to monitor her health. Since her initial diagnosis she has had several additional biopsies, including one that was identified as a non-melanoma skin cancer. While ongoing monitoring can sometimes feel daunting, it also provides reassurance that any changes will be detected early and managed quickly.
More recently Alexis was introduced to Melanoma Patients Australia through another melanoma survivor. Learning about the organisation and the support it provides has been meaningful, particularly as she reflects on her own experience navigating diagnosis and follow-up care, without adequate information.
“I wish I had of been told about Melanoma Patients Australia when I was first diagnosed as I feel it would have changed my experience significantly.”
Encouraging young people to check their skin
Being diagnosed with melanoma at 18 inevitably changed Alexis’ outlook on life. While the experience came with uncertainty and challenges, including living with a visible scar and adjusting to regular medical monitoring, it also prompted a shift in perspective. Alexis says she now tries to make the most of all opportunities and spends as much time as possible with the people who matter most in her life.
“I take a lot more chances now, and try to never miss out on experiences and making memories.”
Her experience has also made her more aware of how little is understood about melanoma. A fact that surprises her in today’s age of information. She wonders whether the lack of awareness is of particular concern for young people, who she urges to take skin checks seriously. These checks save lives.
A bright future
Today Alexis is looking to the future. She hopes to one day use her education and interests to work in a health care setting, or for an elite sports team. She also aims to continue using her melanoma journey as a means of supporting others.
“Whenever I’m faced with a decision or I hesitate because I’m afraid of doing something, I tell myself you only live once, and just do it.”
With these wise words, Alexis encourages others to go and get a skin check. She attributes her own chance skin check to being here today – healthy, happy and with a bright future.
Melanoma Patients Australia thanks Alexis for sharing her story and wishes her all the best with her future endeavours.
Melanoma Patient Stories: You are not Alone
Reading melanoma patient stories can remind you that you’re not alone. Sharing experiences of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery offers comfort, insight, and hope, helping you feel supported by a community that truly understands.
