Ariana Madix has been cancer-free for seven years. In 2018, the Vanderpump Rules alum got diagnosed with melanoma — and she is now sharing updates on her recovery and health journey.
The Something About Her co-owner took to Instagram on Wednesday, March 26, where she explained how she discovered she had skin cancer and what she did to treat it. "I had noticed a dark spot here," she said, rubbing her chest. "But it was a few years before I decided to do anything about it. A major push for me to see the dermatologist came from my [Instagram] followers. I went to see a dermatologist and he immediately made me see a plastic surgeon."
The surgeon was able to remove the mole, but testing revealed that it was a much bigger issue than just a mole. "I'm so glad that I went that day because it was not benign. It was melanoma," she continued. This resulted in the doctor removing a much larger area of skin and lymph nodes from under her arm to make sure that the cancer had not spread, which it did not.
This has left Ariana with a large scar, which she wears with pride. "Now I just have this lovely scar across my chest," she explained.
Ariana Madix emphasizes the importance of checking her skin for melanoma
Ariana had previously opened up to Entertainment Tonight in 2019 about her routine checks following her melanoma diagnosis. "Once you have it, it's much easier to have it again or have it throughout your life, especially that I'm young," she explained. "It's going to be an ongoing thing, but right now, I do not have cancer in my body."
Now, she's that "annoying friend" who is always pushing people to get their skin checked, she told the Skin Cancer Foundation in 2023. "Skin cancer can be so fast and aggressive," she noted. "I was lucky, and mine wasn't moving very quickly, but I don't want any of my friends or family to be in a position where they don't get checked and it's too late."
Ariana Madix shares her alternatives for tanning
The Florida native had spent a lot of time in the sun growing up, she told the Skin Cancer Foundation. "I would go to the tanning bed almost every day, and then sometimes in the same day, go to the beach and lay out," she admitted.
But, she has since found alternatives to being in the sun. "Now, when I have to film something, I'll use a foam, sunless tanner, that I put on a mitt and rub in," she said.
Get the latest on Ariana's beauty and skincare routine.
