Comedian and Netflix star Katherine Ryan has revealed that she has been diagnosed with skin cancer for the second time. The Canadian-born stand-up comic shared the news on her podcast and social media, explaining that she recently had a cancerous mole removed from her arm. She will undergo a follow-up procedure next week to ensure any remaining cancerous tissue is removed.
This marks Ryan’s second encounter with skin cancer, having first been diagnosed in 2004 when she had a "golf ball-sized lump" removed from her thigh. This time, Ryan said she initially faced dismissal from a doctor when she raised concerns about a mole, but subsequent tests confirmed it was “early melanoma.”
“Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer that spreads rapidly. I just knew this mole didn’t feel right,” Ryan shared with her audience. She encouraged listeners to make their health a priority, urging anyone with concerns to seek testing and to advocate for themselves.
Reflecting on her experience, Ryan emphasized the importance of staying proactive when it comes to health. “You have to make space in your day for these appointments,” she advised. “It feels crazy to think about what could have happened if I hadn’t been my own advocate — and I will continue to be.”
Ryan also credited Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Teddi Mellencamp for her openness about her own battle with melanoma, saying, “God bless that woman for being so transparent about her journey.”
In addition to her Netflix series The Duchess, Ryan is known for her frequent appearances on popular British panel shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, A League of Their Own, and Have I Got News for You. Since moving to the UK in 2008, Ryan has become a prominent figure in the comedy scene.
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