> At a Glance
> – Daniela Mullins, 34, discovered Stage 0 melanoma after a routine full-body scan
> – The mole on her face-present since 2015-looked “normal” to her but prompted a biopsy
> – Surgery removed the cancer just before Thanksgiving 2025
> – Why it matters: Catching skin cancer early can eliminate need for chemo and save lives-regular checks are vital
A routine dermatology visit for postpartum skin issues turned life-changing when Daniela Mullins‘s new doctor flagged a seemingly innocent facial mole, leading to a Stage 0 melanoma diagnosis and a cheek-spanning surgical scar that has now made her a vocal advocate for skin-cancer awareness.
The Appointment That Changed Everything
Mullins, a Virginia mom, booked a full-body scan in April 2025 to address lingering skin problems after giving birth. Her dermatologist zeroed in on a small mark she’d first noticed in June 2015.
> “I didn’t notice my mole changing at all… I went back and looked at pictures and realized how much it had changed,” Mullins tells News Of Los Angeles.
Because she was newly postpartum, the doctor delayed biopsy for six months.
Diagnosis and Surgery
On October 24, 2025, Mullins underwent the biopsy; one week later she learned she had melanoma in situ-cancer confined to the skin’s surface.
- Stage 0 meant no spread
- No chemotherapy required
- Surgery scheduled just before Thanksgiving removed the mole and surrounding tissue
Life After Melanoma
Removing the tiny spot left a cheek-length incision; healing will take a year.
> “Once I saw the impact on my face, it hit me… it became reality,” she says.
Follow-up plan:
- Full-body scans every four months, likely for life
- Daily scar care with Vaseline, time, and patience
- Heightened skin self-monitoring
Spreading Awareness
Mullins shared her journey on TikTok, surprised by the viral response.
> “I’m Latina… I didn’t think this would ever be a cancer I could get,” she admits, urging others with similar backgrounds to get checked.
Her advice:
- Trust your doctor, not online rabbit holes
- Lean on support systems
- Schedule neglected health screenings
Key Takeaways
- A “normal”-looking mole can still be cancerous
- Postpartum skin checks can catch early melanoma
- Stage 0 removal prevents harsher treatments
- Regular scans are now lifelong for Mullins
- Sharing stories online encourages others to seek help
Mullins now prioritizes prevention: “I’m trying to be more preventative than having to face the consequences of putting stuff off.”
