Derm Dispatch: Melanoma Doesn’t Wait—Neither Should You

In a recent interview for Dermatology Times, Renata Block, PA-C, spoke with Brittanny Groover, a melanoma survivor and passionate advocate for skin cancer awareness. Groover, now in her late twenties, shared the deeply personal story of how she developed melanoma after years of frequent tanning, a habit formed in her teen years and encouraged by her environment. Growing up with her mother—who also loved tanning—Groover spent countless hours in the sun and later, in tanning beds. Even after beginning regular skin checks as a young adult, her belief that "it won’t happen to me" persisted until the moment it did.

Her diagnosis came after she noticed a mole on her shin growing in size and changing in appearance. Although she had an established history of annual dermatology visits, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her routine, delaying her next skin check. When she finally returned to the clinic, her dermatologist immediately identified the mole as melanoma—later confirmed by biopsy. She underwent a wide local excision with a skin graft, followed by a sentinel lymph node biopsy that revealed the cancer had begun to spread. Brittany then endured a year of immunotherapy (Keytruda), which led to intense adverse effects such as colitis and pancreatitis—complications she now says were worse than the cancer itself.

Now cancer-free, Groover has become a powerful voice for melanoma awareness, particularly among younger audiences. She shares her journey unfiltered on social media to combat the perception that skin cancer is minor or merely cosmetic. Her goal is to show that melanoma is not “just skin cancer” and can have life-altering consequences. She encourages clinicians to engage young patients through real-life stories and hands-on education, rather than brochures alone. Teaching teens how to perform skin checks, understand sun protection, and recognize warning signs could make all the difference.

Through her work with initiatives like “Don’t Fry Day” and the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, Groover is helping reshape how young people understand skin health. Her message is clear: melanoma doesn’t discriminate by age, and prevention must start early.