'If you see a spot, get it checked': Teddi Mellencamp is finally cancer-free after 12 melanomas removed

The reality star also shared that in October, her dermatologist noticed more of those abnormal spots and referred her to an oncologist instead. Soon, Mellencamp learned that several of the spots came back as Melanoma Stage 2. "Apparently it's very rare to have multiple melanomas in one location,” she says.

"We're all susceptible—we're all out in the sun," says Dr Janice Mehnert, a melanoma expert from NYU Langone's Perlmutter Cancer Center, who did not treat Mellencamp. "Different populations are more at risk than others, but we should all be careful and practice sun safety and get screenings." Skin cancer is among the most common cancer in the United States, and as per skin cancer.org reports, one in 5 Americans is likely to develop skin cancer by the age of 70.

Mellencamp thinks childhood habits may have contributed to her disease. "I was outside all the time, I rode horses. I very rarely wore sunscreen. If anything, I was putting on baby oil and trying to compete for the best tan after spring break," the actress told People. 

Mellencamp was also grateful for the support she received on social media, "The only thing that has ever worked for me — what hasn't led me deeper into anxiety, deeper into depression— is being vulnerable and sharing and reminding everybody we're not alone in whatever it is that we think we're going through. Because when you feel alone, then sometimes that can paralyze us from doing what we need to do to take care of ourselves."

The star has also been vocal about raising awareness of the disease. "If you see a spot, go get it checked," she adds.