Katherine Ryan has once again faced a skin cancer diagnosis, years after her first encounter with the disease. The comedian, known for her sharp wit and presence on UK television, recently shared her experience of discovering melanoma on her arm, a discovery that nearly went unnoticed.
Ryan first dealt with melanoma in 2004 when she was a student in Toronto. At the time, doctors removed a sizable lump from her thigh. Now, at 41, she found herself questioning a mole on her arm, despite medical professionals initially dismissing her concerns.
The comedian urges fans to trust their instincts about healthGetty Images
She detailed her journey on her podcast, explaining how she repeatedly sought medical advice, only to be reassured that the mole was harmless. Trusting her instincts, she pushed for further tests, eventually learning that the mole was, in fact, an early-stage melanoma.
“If you know about melanoma, you know it spreads quickly,” Ryan said. “I just had this gut feeling that something wasn’t right.”
Her persistence paid off when a test confirmed the diagnosis, prompting immediate removal and a follow-up procedure to ensure all cancerous cells were eliminated. Ryan admitted the process was frustrating she had to visit multiple doctors and even pay for private consultations to get the attention she felt was necessary. “It’s easy to take a doctor’s reassurance and move on, but my mole kept changing,” she said. “I had to advocate for myself.”
Katherine Ryan’s persistence led to an early melanoma diagnosisGetty Images
Interestingly, she credits her decision to pursue further testing to reality star Teddi Mellencamp, who openly discussed her own melanoma battle. Seeing someone else share their story reminded Ryan of the importance of staying vigilant about skin health.
Ryan, who describes herself as having “very fair Celtic skin” and over 100 moles, has always been cautious, using sunscreen and covering up when outdoors. But this latest diagnosis has reinforced her commitment to regular check-ups and self-examinations. “Now I’m wondering what other moles should I be checking?” she said.
Doctors dismissed her concerns, but she pushed for answersGetty Images
Her story actually is a strong message: early detection saves lives! Skin cancer rates in the UK are rising, with Cancer Research UK predicting a record 20,800 melanoma cases in 2024. Experts warn that increased sun exposure and lack of awareness contribute to the growing numbers.
Ryan urges others to prioritise their health. “You have to make time for these appointments,” she stressed. “No one will care more about your health than you.”
Her experience is a powerful reminder to listen to your body, trust your instincts, and push for answers when something feels off.
A scene from The Thursday Murder Club, where four retirees turn amateur detectives in a quiet British village shaken by a real murderInstagram/NetflixUK
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.