Chloë Bourgoin, 26, from Connecticut, has shared her experience to highlight an uncommon symptom of skin cancer. She has numerous moles and did not realize the significance of regular skin checks, last having one in 2018. She was also unaware that itching could indicate skin cancer.
In her conversation with Newsweek, Bourgoin recounted that a new mole appeared around three years ago based on photos. It seemed normal until the end of 2025, when she experienced itching on her lower leg. After researching the strange itch online, she discovered that it might be a warning sign. A visit to her dermatologist confirmed her fears.
The mole, located just above her ankle, was diagnosed as malignant melanoma. This type of skin cancer originates in the pigment that colors the skin and frequently appears in sun-exposed areas, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the United States. The American Academy of Dermatology Association reports a rapid increase in diagnoses over the past 30 years. Excess UV radiation from sunlight or indoor tanning raises skin cancer risk, as does a personal history of the condition. Most melanoma cases are linked to UV exposure, with childhood or adolescent sunburns elevating the risk.
Common melanoma indicators include moles with unusual shapes, changes in color or size, irregular borders, or symptoms like itchiness or bleeding.
Bourgoin later learned her maternal family history of melanoma, which increases her cancer risk. She underwent a biopsy followed by excision surgery, removing the melanoma and surrounding healthy-looking skin to ensure all cancer cells were eliminated. This procedure significantly reduces the chance of recurrence.
Bourgoin shared a video revealing the surgery’s impact, showing she is “missing a chunk of my leg” where the mole was removed. Fortunately, she informed Newsweek that the surgery was successful.
“My recovery has been going well, and I am now cancer-free!” she stated.
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