Keeping a Watchful Eye Out for Unsuspecting Symptoms
“Walking Dead” star Ross Marquand, 42, heeded the advice of loved ones to get a spot on his nose checked that turned out to be cancer. He didn’t indicate the type of cancer he had, but he’s thankful it was caught early.
Coping with a cancer diagnosis can be one of the most daunting hurdles you’ve faced in your life. Experts tell SurvivorNet that leaning into your support group, keeping a journal, and a mental health professional are all effective ways to help you cope.
Patients are encouraged to seek a support group, talk to a mental health professional, and keep their support team connected with your care team.
The main types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. However, melanoma is more likely to impact nearby tissue by spreading or metastasizing to other body parts.
Early detection and treatment of melanoma leads to an extremely high survival rate. Treatments, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy, gave diagnosed people a much better chance of living a long and healthy life than ever before.
“Walking Dead” star Ross Marquand, 42, is expressing gratitude to eagle-eyed fans and loved ones for encouraging him to get a conspicuous spot on his nose checked that’s been there for four years. Now donning a bandage over his nose, he says, “I let this problem fester, and it grew into a cancer,” but adds that had it been left unchecked, “it could’ve become much, much worse.”
Marquand is an award-winning actor best known for his role as Aaron on “The Walking Dead.” He detailed the beginnings of his cancer journey on an Instagram post that he admittedly hesitated to share.
“I’m posting this to encourage all of you to prioritize your health – be it physical, mental, or emotional. I clearly did not, and now, I’m playing catch up,” Marquand said.
Photos shared within the social media post show Marquand undergoing a procedure for the patch of skin on his nose that was treated. While Marquand did not indicate the exact type of cancer he was diagnosed with, coping with a cancer diagnosis is an emotional experience.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 20: Ross Marquand arrives at The Walking Dead Live: The Finale Event at The Orpheum Theatre on November 20, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Timothy Norris, Stringer, Credit: Getty Images (Photo by Timothy Norris/Getty Images)
Supportive fans praised Marquand’s bravery and offered him encouragement and a speedy recovery.
“I’m so glad you got it checked. I had melanoma on my leg this year. It’s all fine now, but yeah, do your skin checks, people! Love you, Ross. I hope it’s better soon!” Instagram user Denise Huth commented.
“Sometimes ‘Oh, it’s nothing,” is a something. Glad you took care of it!!” “Mad TV” actress Mo Collins wrote in a social media post.
Marquand has a sense of relief after his cancer diagnosis, mainly because it’s been treated. However, emotions can be fluid, ranging from relief and gratitude to anxiety and worry in a matter of hours. Since emotions can fluctuate, cancer patients are encouraged to develop and lean into their support group for added support.
WATCH: Maintaining a Positive Headspace
SurvivorNet experts recommend four tips for women diagnosed with breast cancer to better cope with their emotions during this difficult stage of the journey.
Let your family and close friends know and let them help. After a diagnosis, you’re often faced with a ton of emotions and need help. It would be best to encourage people close to you to jump in with whatever practical help they can offer.
Keep a journal. Many cancer warriors have shared with SurvivorNet that keeping a journal is an effective tool for acknowledging your feelings and emotions.
Join a cancer support group. There is a good chance someone else is facing what you are facing or has been through this emotional leg of the journey before. Support groups in nearly every community offer opportunities to connect with others going through a similar journey. You’ll learn constructive insight from others who can tell you about what to expect and how to stay strong on tough days.
Seek professional help from a therapist. Ask your doctor to refer you to a therapist so you can discuss your fears and concerns in a safe space. Vocalizing your thoughts and feelings rather than bottling them inside can be therapeutic.
How to Spot Skin Cancer Warning Signs
The main types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
In melanoma skin cancer cases, it is more likely to impact nearby tissue and spread or metastasize to other parts of the body. Melanoma also causes the most skin cancer deaths, according to the National Cancer Institute. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer because of its likelihood to spread to other parts of the body. It starts in the same cells that give your skin, hair, and eyes their color. In melanoma, the cells change in a way that allows them to spread to other organs.
WATCH: Melanoma Risk Factors
Changes to a mole you’ve had for a while or a new growth on your skin could be signs of melanoma, according to SurvivorNet’s experts. You’ll want to watch them and tell your doctor about any changes you notice.
You’re most likely to find melanoma on sun-exposed skin areas like your face, neck, arms, and legs. Surprisingly, you might also find them in other places, like The palms of your hands or soles of your feet, on your eyes or mouth, or under your nails.
SurvivorNet skin cancer experts recommend avoiding unprotected sun exposure because ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to melanoma. Tanning beds pose ultraviolet radiation risks for skin cancer and should be avoided. Many dermatologists recommend using spray tans to reduce the risk of melanoma skin cancer.
The most important thing to look out for when it comes to finding melanoma is a new spot on your skin or a spot that is changing in size, shape, or color, SurvivorNet’s medical experts say.
When you check your skin, use the acronym ABCDE as your guide:
Asymmetrical moles: If you drew a line straight down the center of the mole, would the sides match?
Borders: Is the mole irregular or jagged?
Colors: Are there multiple distinct colors in the mole?
Diameter: Is the mole larger than 6 millimeters (mm), about the size of a pencil head eraser?
Evolution: Has the mole’s color, shape, or size changed over time?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, our experts say it’s time to see your dermatologist for a skin check.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
If you are diagnosed with skin cancer, you may have some questions for your doctor. SurvivorNet suggests some of the following to help you on your cancer journey.
What type of skin cancer do I have?
What treatment options exist for this type of cancer?
Will insurance cover this treatment?
Would treatment through a clinical trial make sense to me?
What resources exist to help manage my anxiety because of this diagnosis?
