Growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania that borders West Virginia, those sunny summers were filled with cheerleading practices and 80-degree days on the local football field. When cheerleading season ended, my friends and I would escape to Ocean City, Maryland, for summer vacations. Back home, I always had a backyard pool. Tanning was a favorite pastime for my friends and me—whether basking outside or lounging on trampolines or indoor tanning beds. We never wore sunscreen. All of this occurred before I fully grasped the concept of skin cancer.
At the age of 27, I pointed out a mole on my shin to my dermatologist, which had caught my attention after a vacation to Columbus Zoo & Zoombezi Bay in Ohio. During that trip, I kept wanting to apply sunscreen to that specific spot. When I received the diagnosis of melanoma—skin cancer—I felt both shocked and unsurprised. Among my friends, I remain the only one who has faced this disease. However, I had risk factors working against me—I am covered in moles, easily tallying over 100 all over my body.
Since my diagnosis in 2021, I’ve dedicated my life to melanoma advocacy and skin cancer awareness. I wish I’d had a role model when I was younger to educate me about skin cancer, particularly melanoma, and its prevalence and severity. Through my social media presence, specifically on Instagram (@beingbrittanny), I strive to spread my message. Additionally, I actively support various skin cancer organizations by participating in their events and campaigns focused on prevention and education. Together, we can make a difference in raising awareness and promoting sun safety.
Brittanny Groover
Melanoma Survivor
Date of Diagnosis: 7/8/2021