When 29-year-old Sarah Lee noticed a dark mole on her scalp in 2021, doctors told her it was harmless—a fungal infection or simply too minor to worry about. But her instincts said otherwise. After months of changes and being dismissed three times, a second opinion confirmed her worst fear: stage 3 malignant melanoma.

By the time she was diagnosed, the cancer had spread to her skull and lymph nodes. Surgery followed, along with a year of harsh targeted therapy. Lee endured nausea, fever, and exhaustion, all while struggling to cope with the emotional toll. “I’m terrified of the cancer coming back,” she admitted.

Melanoma is rare but deadly, especially when it hides in places like the scalp. Lee never used tanning beds and wore SPF, but her fair skin and light hair increased her risk. She now urges people to know the ABCDEs of skin changes and trust their instincts.

After completing treatment in 2023, Lee now spreads one message: “Check your skin, trust your gut, and never stop asking for answers.”