Eventually, as the lesion grew and even began to bleed, he pushed for a biopsy. His anxiety during the 42-day wait for pathology results skyrocketed, something many patients facing a possible cancer diagnosis can deeply relate to. When the results finally came in, it confirmed his gut feeling: it was melanoma, 1.2 mm deep and ulcerated. His world felt like it had been turned upside down.

Getting treatment in the Philippines was complicated. Melanoma is relatively rare there, and many doctors hadn’t seen cases like his. Eventually, Mart found a skilled surgeon in Davao City who had trained in the U.S. and performed the wide local excision. After healing, Mart tried returning to normal life, but new and suspicious lesions appeared on his back, chin, and face. He moved back to the UK to access more consistent care through the National Health Service (NHS), although long wait times and delays left him feeling isolated and frustrated.

Since then, he’s had multiple melanomas diagnosed, along with a basal cell carcinoma, and has undergone several surgeries. What’s striking is how often doctors initially dismissed these lesions as benign, reinforcing Mart’s message to trust one’s instincts and push for a biopsy if something feels off.

The emotional weight of repeated diagnoses and leaving behind his dream life in the Philippines has left Mart deeply reflective. He believes stress may have contributed to his condition and has radically changed his lifestyle to support healing. He’s adopted a strict plant-based, organic diet and incorporates juicing, vitamin D, and immune-supportive supplements. He still surfs and remains physically active, but he practices sun safety religiously.

Mart’s experience is a call to action: be your own advocate, listen to your intuition, and know that taking action early could change everything. His vulnerability and strength shine through, and his story offers both education and hope for others facing melanoma.

Watch Mart’s full video to find out more about his story:

• Why melanoma didn’t just affect Mart’s health, but also uprooted his entire way of life
• Why Mart believes trauma and environmental stress may have played a role in his melanoma
• The one piece of advice Mart gives anyone who finds something strange on their skin
• What Mart wishes dermatologists understood better
• How Mart continues to live adventurously with a new awareness and purpose