The warning sign this bodybuilder almost missed—and why it could save your life, too
- Replies 0
When it comes to our health, experience teaches us to trust our instincts.
But sometimes, it’s the smallest changes—the ones we brush off—that turn out to matter the most.
That was the case for Kristina Angeli, a seasoned bodybuilder and mother, who recently shared her powerful story about a seemingly minor mole that turned out to be far more serious than she ever imagined.
Kristina’s experience is a powerful reminder that even a small spot on your skin—something you might dismiss as cosmetic or unimportant—could hold the key to detecting a hidden threat.
She had it checked just in time, and that decision may have saved her life.
Because that little mole? It turned out to be melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Kristina had spent over ten years competing in bodybuilding shows, with a lifestyle centered around fitness and awareness of her body.
But two years ago, while prepping for a competition in the Bahamas, she noticed a mole near her ear that she thought looked “ugly.”
She planned to have it removed after the event—mostly for cosmetic reasons.
What she didn’t know was that the mole wasn’t just unsightly—it was dangerous.
In a video that’s been viewed more than 74,000 times, Kristina recalled, “She doesn’t know it yet, but that mole above her ear is cancer.”
The mole was close to a major nerve, making its removal risky. But after the procedure, her fears were confirmed: it was stage 2 melanoma.
Stage 2 melanoma means the cancer had not yet spread—but it was close.
Kristina needed immediate surgery. Doctors removed the affected skin and also performed a lymph node biopsy from her neck to make sure the cancer hadn’t spread.
The recovery was tough.
A skin graft from her hip was required to cover the area where the mole had been removed.
Kristina later said, “This whole journey has been scary, but I’ve learned and been reminded of so much.”
Today, she’s cancer-free and using her story to spread a simple but crucial message: Get your skin checked.
Melanoma is known for being sneaky.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the most dangerous mole is often the one that looks slightly different from the others—commonly called the “ugly duckling.”
Here’s what doctors say to watch out for:
Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body—not just on sun-exposed areas. It’s been found on scalps, under nails, and even on the soles of feet.
Roughly 15% of people diagnosed with stage 2 melanoma may not survive five years.
And once melanoma spreads to organs or nearby tissue, the survival rate drops even more.
But there’s good news: melanoma is highly treatable when caught early.
That’s why regular skin checks—both at home and with your doctor—are so important, especially as we age.
Source: Instagram / misskristina_wellnesspro
You might think, “I don’t spend much time in the sun.”
But just five sunburns over your lifetime significantly raise your risk of skin cancer.
Sunbeds and tanning booths carry similar dangers.
In fact, most skin cancer cases are linked to sunburn and ultraviolet exposure.
Your family history also plays a role.
If someone in your family has had skin cancer, your own risk goes up—even if you’ve always worn sunscreen.
Here are simple steps to lower your risk of melanoma:
Melanoma doesn’t discriminate.
It affects men and women, people of all ages, and it can appear in unexpected places.
In the US, skin cancer rates have been steadily rising—and yet, early detection still makes all the difference.
Kristina’s story is a wake-up call.
She didn’t ignore the mole—but like many of us, she didn’t think it was urgent.
Her decision to have it checked may have saved her life!
Read next: Think sunscreen is enough? These 4 medications could still leave you vulnerable
Have you or someone you love had a scare with skin cancer? What’s helped you stay on top of your skin health? Share your story in the comments. It might help someone else catch a warning sign before it’s too late.
But sometimes, it’s the smallest changes—the ones we brush off—that turn out to matter the most.
That was the case for Kristina Angeli, a seasoned bodybuilder and mother, who recently shared her powerful story about a seemingly minor mole that turned out to be far more serious than she ever imagined.
Kristina’s experience is a powerful reminder that even a small spot on your skin—something you might dismiss as cosmetic or unimportant—could hold the key to detecting a hidden threat.
She had it checked just in time, and that decision may have saved her life.
Because that little mole? It turned out to be melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Kristina Angeli’s story is a reminder that noticing small changes in your body can lead to life-saving decisions. Image Source: Instagram / misskristina_wellnesspro
A tiny mole with big consequences
Kristina had spent over ten years competing in bodybuilding shows, with a lifestyle centered around fitness and awareness of her body.
But two years ago, while prepping for a competition in the Bahamas, she noticed a mole near her ear that she thought looked “ugly.”
She planned to have it removed after the event—mostly for cosmetic reasons.
What she didn’t know was that the mole wasn’t just unsightly—it was dangerous.
In a video that’s been viewed more than 74,000 times, Kristina recalled, “She doesn’t know it yet, but that mole above her ear is cancer.”
The mole was close to a major nerve, making its removal risky. But after the procedure, her fears were confirmed: it was stage 2 melanoma.
Also read: Discover the silent killers: A doctor exposes cancer signs everyone is missing!
The diagnosis that changed everything
Stage 2 melanoma means the cancer had not yet spread—but it was close.
Kristina needed immediate surgery. Doctors removed the affected skin and also performed a lymph node biopsy from her neck to make sure the cancer hadn’t spread.
The recovery was tough.
A skin graft from her hip was required to cover the area where the mole had been removed.
Kristina later said, “This whole journey has been scary, but I’ve learned and been reminded of so much.”
Today, she’s cancer-free and using her story to spread a simple but crucial message: Get your skin checked.
Also read: Skin secrets: The everyday habits that could be aging your heart and boosting dementia risk!
What to look for—and why it matters
Melanoma is known for being sneaky.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the most dangerous mole is often the one that looks slightly different from the others—commonly called the “ugly duckling.”
Here’s what doctors say to watch out for:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other
- Border: Uneven or jagged edges
- Color: A mix of brown, black, red, white, or even blue
- Diameter: Larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pea)
- Evolving: Any change in size, color, shape, or feel
Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body—not just on sun-exposed areas. It’s been found on scalps, under nails, and even on the soles of feet.
The stakes are high—but early action saves lives
Roughly 15% of people diagnosed with stage 2 melanoma may not survive five years.
And once melanoma spreads to organs or nearby tissue, the survival rate drops even more.
But there’s good news: melanoma is highly treatable when caught early.
That’s why regular skin checks—both at home and with your doctor—are so important, especially as we age.
Source: Instagram / misskristina_wellnesspro
Also read: This overlooked cancer is rising fast—here’s who’s most at risk
You don’t need to be a sunbather to be at risk
You might think, “I don’t spend much time in the sun.”
But just five sunburns over your lifetime significantly raise your risk of skin cancer.
Sunbeds and tanning booths carry similar dangers.
In fact, most skin cancer cases are linked to sunburn and ultraviolet exposure.
Your family history also plays a role.
If someone in your family has had skin cancer, your own risk goes up—even if you’ve always worn sunscreen.
How to protect your skin—starting today
Here are simple steps to lower your risk of melanoma:
- Use sunscreen daily, even in winter or on cloudy days
- Cover up with hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves when outdoors
- Avoid tanning beds entirely
- Check your skin regularly for new or changing moles
- Visit your doctor if you notice a mole that’s changing, itching, bleeding, or just feels different
Also read: This grandmother thought she was just tired, then her skin changed color and doctors revealed a deadly secret.
A reminder for all of us
Melanoma doesn’t discriminate.
It affects men and women, people of all ages, and it can appear in unexpected places.
In the US, skin cancer rates have been steadily rising—and yet, early detection still makes all the difference.
Kristina’s story is a wake-up call.
She didn’t ignore the mole—but like many of us, she didn’t think it was urgent.
Her decision to have it checked may have saved her life!
Read next: Think sunscreen is enough? These 4 medications could still leave you vulnerable
Have you or someone you love had a scare with skin cancer? What’s helped you stay on top of your skin health? Share your story in the comments. It might help someone else catch a warning sign before it’s too late.
