Kevin Spencer, 62, has faced melanoma numerous times over the past 11 years and each recurrence brought new uncertainty. But after years of treatment and several setbacks, he’s back in remission and feeling like himself again, thanks to the care he received at Atrium Health Levine Cancer.
Kevin’s early warning signs of melanoma
Kevin’s cancer journey began in 2015 while he was living in Los Angeles and working in the entertainment industry as a makeup artist and actor. He noticed what looked like a mole on his left upper shin. Over time, it became raised and began to bleed, prompting him to get it checked.
A biopsy confirmed melanoma that was considered relatively high-risk. Kevin underwent a four-hour surgery to remove it. Sentinel lymph node mapping showed no lymph node involvement at that time.
“I was never a sun-worshipper growing up in Oregon,” says Kevin. “But I did begin using tanning beds after moving to California in the early 1990s. I actually think that’s how I got melanoma. I told my doctors this and they said that’s very well possible.”
When melanoma came back
In 2018, Kevin had a recurrence of melanoma in the same area on his shin, so he underwent another surgery to remove it. Then, about a year later, he felt an enlarged lymph node in his groin. A biopsy showed the melanoma had returned, this time spreading to his lymph node.
Kevin began immunotherapy in December 2019. But despite treatment, imaging scans showed that cancer was still present in his lymph node. He stayed on immunotherapy for more than two years. Then, in December 2022, the melanoma returned again in the same groin lymph node.
His medical team in California recommended the same immunotherapy he had already received, even though it had not been successful for him in the past.
A fresh start in Charlotte
Around this time, Kevin and his husband decided to relocate to North Carolina, as they’d planned to retire there. A friend and fellow cancer survivor highly recommended Levine Cancer, so Kevin scheduled an appointment.
There, he met medical oncologist Dr. Asim Amin, who carefully reviewed Kevin’s long medical history.
“When I got my first appointment with Dr. Amin, he had like 500 pages of notes from my medical history and went through it very thoroughly,” says Kevin. “I felt so blessed, like this was meant to be.”
Amin took a more personalized approach to Kevin’s care. Kevin underwent genetic testing, which identified a mutation, so Amin recommended a different immunotherapy than Kevin had previously received in California. Kevin also underwent surgery to remove the affected lymph node and targeted therapy.
Despite another diagnosis and setback, Kevin was grateful for the care and support he received from Amin and the Levine Cancer team.
“I feel like my move to North Carolina probably saved my life,” he says. “In L.A., they gave me good treatment, but because it was at a teaching hospital, I had a different doctor and nurse every time. I felt like a number — it didn’t feel like personal care. With Dr. Amin, I felt like I was getting better quality treatment.”
The treatment worked. Since February 2025, Kevin has been cancer-free.
Art, healing and moving forward
As a makeup artist, Kevin has always had a creative side. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when his work in the entertainment industry paused, he returned to painting and began selling his artwork. Today, Kevin creates commissioned pieces for private and commercial clients. Painting also allows him to process and express his emotions after more than a decade of treatment.
He also credits the support of his husband, dog and medical team for helping him through difficult times.
“I’m feeling good,” he says. “I’m enjoying life, doing my art and, for some reason, I’m meant to be here.”
Melanoma prevention and early detection
Kevin’s story highlights the importance of melanoma prevention and early detection. While some melanoma risk factors — such as your family history, age and skin tone — are outside your control, there are steps you can take to lower your risk:
- Avoid long exposure to sun/UV radiation.
- Wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when outdoors.
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
- Avoid tanning beds. Tanning bed use, especially before age 30, is associated with a higher risk of melanoma.
It is also important to check your skin regularly. Do a monthly self-exam and make an appointment with a dermatologist if you notice any new or changing moles or spots.
Kevin hopes his story will help others be more vigilant.
“Sunscreen is your best friend,” he says. “Make sure you get your check-ups and see your dermatologist to have your skin examined.”
Doing so could save your life.
“If melanoma is detected early, we can cure it with a simple surgery,” says Amin.
Learn more about melanoma care at Levine Cancer.
