Megan’s Skin Cancer Story | As Seen in Cincinnati Magazine
In honor of skin cancer awareness month, Megan Niese, PA-C, shares her own skin cancer story, as seen in Cincinnati Magazine, along with how it led her to becoming a dermatology Physician Assistant.
How it All Started
“I’m a redhead with fair skin, and I loved the sun like the best of them. Before I turned 25, I had collected a lifetime of sun exposure: childhood afternoons playing sports, long days as a lifeguard, chasing a tan to match my friends, and more trips to the tanning bed in college than I’m proud to admit.
In many ways, I did everything I now tell my patients not to do. Reaching my mid‑20s, while living in Asheville, North Carolina, I began noticing more and more moles appearing. I went to see a dermatologist, who went on to recommend several biopsies.”
Receiving the News
“I will never forget the phone call: melanoma. Fortunately, it was caught early enough to be treated with surgical excision. Still, that diagnosis was the start of a long series of interventions. Over the next few years, I had 15-plus moles biopsied, many of which were precancerous, requiring surgery.
Unfortunately, those biopsies included two more melanomas, one of which had a bit more depth to it, requiring a bigger surgery. Luckily, none of them had spread beyond the skin. Being diagnosed with three melanomas before 30 was a wake‑up call. I changed how I lived: daily sunscreen, wide‑brim hats, UPF clothing, and vigilance about sun exposure. I became fanatical about skin checks and about teaching others what I learned the hard way.”
From a Patient to a Provider
“That experience also changed the course of my career. At the time, I was working as a Physician Assistant in trauma surgery, but the impact of my own diagnoses sparked a passion for dermatology and preventive skin care.
In 2019, my husband and I moved back to our native state of Ohio, and I was fortunate to join Mona Dermatology. Today I’m proud to provide skin checks and skin cancer surgery, and to counsel patients about sun safety.”
Prevention Really Does Matter
“Routine skin exams, sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds can make a real difference. Surgery is often lifesaving, and the cosmetic tools we have—lasers, scar revision techniques—can significantly improve outcomes after treatment. I enjoy both the medical and cosmetic sides of dermatology and the chance to help patients through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.”
Your Personal Skin Cancer Prevention Checklist:
- Get a complete skin exam with your dermatologist yearly
- Do your own skin checks regularly
- Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Avoid mid-day sun (10am-2pm)
- Wear a broad-brimmed hat
- Consider wearing UPF clothing for added protection
“If my story helps even one person think twice about a sunburn, a tanning bed session, or a suspicious mole, then sharing it was worth it. We can always do better for our future selves—and for our children. I’m grateful to work in a practice where I can turn a difficult personal experience into care, prevention, and hope for others.”