JOJU x Melanoma: Real Stories, Real Strength: Leah Adams

This May, in honor of Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, JOJU is celebrating the strength, honesty and advocacy of melanoma survivors. Women who are living with their diagnoses and helping others stay informed and protected. We’re honored to spotlight their journeys — and their missions to educate, advocate and inspire....

"One routine skin check revealed more than I ever thought I had to face at 26 years old"

LEAH ADAMS, MELANOMA SURVIVOR

I always told myself “It’ll never happen to me,” Until it did. On October 14, 2019, I received the call that totally turned my world upside down "you have stage IA melanoma."

I remember my heart and stomach sinking at the same time, all of my unhealthy skin and sun habits flash before my eyes and feeling completely lost. One routine skin check revealed more than I ever thought I had to face at 26 years old.

I felt a heavy fear takeover my body for weeks

After four appointments, one surgery & one sentinel lymph node biopsy, I found out the melanoma was removed from my chest and the test indicated the cancer didn't spread to my organs.

I am one of the lucky ones who received good news and the cancer was caught early through treatment. However, my life is forever changed from this diagnosis. This diagnosis was difficult to hear but even more difficult to think of all the things I could have done to prevent it. I can say I’m a melanoma survivor for now but I still have & will have the anxiety about it coming back because there is a chance of skin cancer recurrence for the rest of my life.

"Any type of cancer diagnosis takes both a physical and emotional toll on one’s body"

I don’t think there’s anything to gain keeping this experience to myself. We all had or will have seasons of life like this. Times that feel impossible, unbearable or unfair. But they pass & then you’re left with a battle scar that will tell a story.

I share my story to raise awareness

I encourage everyone who hears my story to get an annual skin check. Unfortunately after doing genetic testing and knowing that both my father and grandfather have also had skin cancer, there is a chance of skin cancer recurrence for the rest of my life. Since my diagnosis in 2019, I have to go to a routine skin check every 3 months. At every three-month check, there has been at least one mole removed off my body for additional testing. I relive the fear and worry from October 2019 every single time.

skin cancer doesn’t discriminate

I use my story and my journey to make others aware of their most important organ; their skin. The moles on your body are unique. Learning about them will help to increase early detection rates of skin cancer.

Checking ourselves regularly, learning about our bodies and taking steps to prevent skin cancer has never been more important. Always make sure you advocate for yourself, it can save your life; my skin check in 2019 saved mine.

Follow Leah on Instagram and click here to learn more about her favorite skin cancer resources.