Katherine Ryan, the 41-year-old comedian and television personality, recently revealed she has been diagnosed with skin cancer for a second time. In an emotional episode of her podcast, Telling Everybody Everything, Ryan shared her journey with melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer, that she initially suspected when a mole on her arm began to change.
On March 21, 2025, Ryan opened up about her health scare, explaining how her previous experience with melanoma at age 21 set the stage for her current battle. "If you know about melanoma, you’ll know it is a deadly form of skin cancer. It does spread quickly, and I just felt like this mole wasn’t right," she stated during the podcast. Her instincts were further fueled by the changes she observed in the mole over time.
Initially, Ryan sought help from a private clinic in South Kensington, where she paid £1,000 to have the mole removed. Unfortunately, during a prior £300 consultation at another private clinic, she had been reassured that the mole was not cancerous. "It's really easy to take a diagnosis of 'you're healthy' and just walk away... But the mole kept changing," Ryan reflected, emphasizing how crucial it was for her to trust her intuition and advocate for herself.
Her concerns were finally validated when her doctor called to confirm that the mole had indeed returned positive for early-stage melanoma. "The doctor was shocked and told me I need to go back. It just feels crazy to me, what could have happened if I hadn’t been my own advocate - and I will continue to be my own advocate," she reiterated, underscoring the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare.
This is not the first time Ryan has faced cancer; she was previously diagnosed with stage two melanoma in 2004 while studying at Toronto University. In that instance, she had a "golf-ball sized" lump removed from her leg, which taught her valuable lessons about health and vigilance. Speaking about that experience, she noted, "The cancer wasn’t that serious. It wasn’t into my lymph nodes. I didn’t have to have chemotherapy. I feel like I was really lucky..."
Alongside her struggles with cancer, Ryan has also been battling lupus since 2007, which has further complicated her health journey. After moving to London, she began experiencing joint pain, fatigue, and rashes. Frustrated by misdiagnoses from several doctors, she eventually sought care at A&E, where her symptoms were finally identified correctly as systemic lupus erythematosus.
Despite the serious nature of her conditions, Ryan has remained optimistic and focused on her health. In her quest for balance, she stated, "I realised life’s not fair and I had to take responsibility for my own health." She explained how embracing a calm lifestyle and finding ways to reduce stress have played a pivotal role in managing her lupus symptoms.
As she confronts her latest diagnosis, Ryan serves as a role model for others, emphasizing the necessity of regular health checks and being proactive when addressing health concerns. She emphasizes to her audience the importance of making appointments and not dismissing their concerns. "You have to make space in your day for these appointments," she advised, urging fans to check their moles and consult a doctor if they have any doubts.
In a world where skin cancer cases are on the rise, Ryan’s story is a poignant reminder of the need for awareness and vigilance regarding skin health. Cancer Research UK has highlighted that the number of melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK is expected to reach a record 20,800 in 2024, increasing from an average of 19,300 in previous years. Personal stories like Ryan’s help to shed light on this growing concern and the vital need for self-checks.
As she braces for further procedures to ensure all cancerous tissue is removed, Ryan maintains hope and determination. She is scheduled for surgery in the coming week, aiming to eradicate the melanoma successfully. Her resilience and openness about her health journey resonate with many, encouraging others to prioritize their health and advocate for their well-being.
Ryan's dedication to her artistry continues despite these challenges. As a mother of three—Fenna (2), Fred (3), and Violet (15)—her commitment to family remains unwavering, further inspiring her fans. She balances her personal life with her comedic career and hopes to shine a light on important health issues while maintaining her humor.
For those battling melanoma or any health concerns, Ryan’s story is a source of encouragement. If you or someone you know has been affected by melanoma, support is available through organizations like Melanoma UK, which offers resources and guidance to help individuals navigate their health journey.
