World Cancer Day: Amy's Story

World Cancer Day is an important day that raises awareness of cancer and encourages its prevention, detection and treatment. It’s a day to honour those affected by cancer and to educate the general public in the hopes of changing the future of cancer and cancer care. 

The new 2025-2027 World Cancer Day theme is “United by Unique” and emphasizes the individuality of each patient’s experience. The theme calls for a fundamental shift in how we think about cancer care and asks health systems to take a more people-centred approach.

This World Cancer Day, we spoke with Amy Gratton, a young cancer survivor from Toronto. In 2024, she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive skin cancer—porocarcinoma, a cancer that originates in the sweat glands. Amy’s story highlights the importance of early detection, advocating for your own health, and the importance of a strong support system.

Amy’s journey with cancer began in 2023 when she noticed a bump on the back of her head while washing her hair. Initially, she thought it was just a pimple, but when it didn’t go away, she decided to see her doctor. The initial diagnosis was an infected hair follicle, which wasn’t something to worry about. However, her doctor noted that if Amy wanted the bump removed for cosmetic reasons, it would be an out-of-pocket expense. After some consideration, Amy opted to have it removed, thinking it was better to be safe than sorry.

Amy was referred to a dermatologist who deemed the bump suspicious and biopsied it. As it was suspicious and no longer cosmetic she did not have to pay out of pocket. A month later, Amy received the news that she had porocarcinoma. This was a rare form of skin cancer, and the treatment plan was unclear. Due to the nature of the cancer, chemotherapy and radiation weren’t options, especially if the cancer spread. The doctors opted for urgent surgery to try to remove the cancer.

Amy underwent MOHS surgery in June of 2024, one year before her wedding day. The surgery involved three rounds of excision, as her medical team worked to ensure they removed as much of the cancerous tissue as possible. The procedure was more complicated than expected; in the process of removing the tumor, the surgeons had to go so deep that they hit a nerve, leading to temporary nerve damage and limited use of her left arm. Recovery was more difficult than anticipated, and simple tasks suddenly became difficult to do on her own.

Despite the difficulties, Amy’s surgery was successful. Given the rarity of the cancer, her medical team consulted with specialists to determine the next steps. Because of her young age, the decision was made to monitor her lymph nodes closely with regular CT scans and ultrasounds, rather than perform any immediate surgery to remove them. At this point, the lymph nodes showed no signs of being affected, and the risks of further surgery outweighed the potential benefits.

Throughout her journey, Amy’s support system has been essential. Her fiancé, parents, brother, sister, and friends have stood by her side—attending appointments, assisting with her recovery, and managing the details. She emphasizes the importance of leaning on your support system, especially when it comes to having them attend appointments and ask questions to the doctor, ensuring you have a complete understanding of your situation.

The experience has changed the way Amy approaches life. Her diagnosis and treatment made her reflect on the fragility of life, and the importance of appreciating every moment. Amy's perspective is rooted in a deep awareness of life’s uncertainty. She encourages others to live fully and to prioritize what truly matters. For those newly diagnosed with skin cancer, Amy offers this advice:

“It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, scared, or angry. Give yourself permission to process these emotions. And don’t hesitate to lean on your support system—whether it’s your partner, family, or friends. You don’t have to go through it alone.”

Her journey emphasizes the importance of early detection and prevention. “Skin cancer is not something you can just remove and forget about,” she warns. “It can spread, and it can be deadly. Prevention is key—wear sunscreen, avoid tanning beds, and get your skin checked regularly. If something doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts and see a doctor. Early detection truly can save your life.”

Amy’s experience underscores the importance of early intervention, a strong support system, and resilience. She continues to have regular scans to monitor for any signs of recurrence, with a hopeful outlook for the future. 

On this World Cancer Day, Amy’s story reminds us that sharing individual experiences, even in the face of rare and difficult diagnoses, can help others.

In line with the “United by Unique” theme, her experience underlines the importance of a people-centered approach to cancer care that incorporates each individual’s needs, with compassion and empathy to achieve the best health outcomes. We thank Amy for sharing her story and helping raising awareness.

Remember - you are never alone. If you or a loved one is facing a cancer diagnosis, we are here to offer support. You can reach us at info@saveyourskin.ca.