Survivor’s Ken McNickle Says His “Skin Was Tearing Open” From Cancer

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Ken McNickle is sharing a terrifying health battle. 

A former contestant on the reality show Survivor—who finished second in season 33 back in 2016—recently revealed he has been diagnosed with cancer. He described how he found out and the frightening symptoms he had before receiving the diagnosis.

Ken described the shock of hearing his cancer diagnosis in an Instagram post. He said that in that moment, everything seemed to fade out, and the doctor’s voice sounded distant and unclear, like the teacher in the Peanuts comic strip, Charlie Brown. He felt like he only processed that single, devastating word: cancer.

The reality TV contestant, who finished as a runner-up on Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X in 2016, didn’t reveal the specific type of cancer he has, but he did discuss the worrying signs that prompted him to see a doctor.

He shared that he waited nearly a year to get a concerning skin issue examined, and it had gotten severely worse in that time. He explained that if he’d gone to the doctor earlier, the treatment would have been much simpler – instead of requiring a large incision on his chest.

Ken said he noticed blood in his stool every morning for nearly three months before finally seeing a doctor.

At that point, he said it was “confirmed” his “insides were tearing open.”

He explained that he didn’t get the lump on his testicle checked until it became as large as his other testicle.

The 43-year-old man said he wishes he’d seen a doctor sooner and explained why he put it off for so long.

He said he’d been trying to understand why he’d made so many foolish decisions. Then, this morning, it occurred to him. He remembered hearing harsh phrases growing up – things like ‘Stop crying,’ ‘Don’t be a baby,’ ‘Don’t be weak,’ and ‘Just be a man.’ He believes those messages likely contributed to his behavior.

After he was diagnosed, the Colorado-based life coach said a “flood of questions” set in.

I’ve been there – that moment when everything feels like it’s piling on, and you’re left asking yourself, ‘Why me?’ and replaying what-ifs. It’s easy to fall into a spiral of defeat, to just throw your hands up and give up. I recently shared with my followers how I felt when facing a tough situation – a wave of frustration and questioning everything. But then, I remembered why I was fighting. Thinking about my loved ones, the future we’re building, that’s what shifted things. It reminded me there’s always another path – the path of resilience, of choosing to fight for what matters.

He continued, “There’s always a way to decide what you want.” He was choosing to focus on the positive, his well-being, joy, and a sense of spiritual connection. Above all, he was choosing love.

Yet, Ken believes his situation is an example of a bigger issue that needs to be addressed.

He highlighted a serious problem with men’s health, saying it’s not getting the attention it deserves. In a video caption, he pointed out that men are significantly less likely to see a doctor for physical problems and even less likely to seek help for mental or emotional struggles. He asked his audience to consider why this is and what steps could be taken to improve the situation.

Read on to see what more stars had to say about their own cancer journeys…

The former All My Children star revealed in January 2025 that he has prostate cancer, marking his third time battling the disease.

Even after receiving difficult news, he happily shared in February 2025 that his surgery and treatment had been successful, and he was now cancer-free. This was the third time he’d announced this positive update.

Okay, so he posted on Instagram in February 2025, and it totally wrecked me in the best way. He said we’re so much MORE than anything hard we go through – like, we’re bigger than all of it. And then he said he isn’t his fear or his anxiety or even his past hurts, but he doesn’t try to hide those things either! He said the only way to actually change them is to fully accept them. Honestly, it’s like he’s speaking directly to my soul. I’ve re-read it a million times, and it just… gets me. It’s so powerful!

In December 2024, the star of The Golden Bachelor announced he had been diagnosed with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, a type of bone cancer.

Gerry told People magazine that there’s currently no cure for his condition, which has deeply affected every choice he makes. He described feeling completely overwhelmed when he first learned about it, like a huge weight had fallen on him, and admitted he initially struggled to accept the diagnosis.

I was so worried when I found out I needed to have a small cancerous spot removed, and they also did a biopsy of my lymph nodes. Thankfully, everything’s okay now! I shared the news with my fans at the end of 2018, and I’m so relieved to be in the clear.

After undergoing treatment, including a double mastectomy, the star of Up All Night has been given a clean bill of health and is now cancer-free.

The actor, famous for his work in The Boys and Supernatural, announced on February 3, 2023, that he had successfully fought prostate cancer and was now in remission.

In September 2018, the actress known for Desperate Housewives publicly shared that she had beaten anal cancer. She posted on Instagram that revealing her diagnosis and subsequent hair loss made her feel incredibly relieved, free, and authentic.

Two-time Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman successfully completed cancer treatment, and his representative confirmed to TopMob News that doctors have declared him cured after surgery.

Hugh Jackman, known for his role in X-Men, was treated for skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma) for the third time in 2014. His representative later confirmed to TopMob News that he has fully recovered.

In April 2023, Hugh received two biopsies after discovering he had more basal cell carcinoma. He used the opportunity to remind everyone in the Northern Hemisphere that summer was approaching and to protect their skin by wearing sunscreen.

The former star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills marked a year of being cancer-free in January. She was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2013 and had a complete hysterectomy as treatment.

Then in 2017, Camille had surgery to remove Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. 

The celebrity chef from Britain revealed he had skin cancer treated with a procedure. He shared photos showing stitches from below his ear to his jaw, which he later covered with a bandage.

I was so relieved and thankful to hear about Gordon’s successful treatment for Basal Cell Carcinoma by the amazing team at The Skin Associates! He shared on Instagram in August 2025 how quickly they took care of everything. It really reminded me – and I think he was hoping it would remind everyone – to be diligent about sunscreen this weekend. It’s such an important message!

“I promise you it’s not a face lift,” he added. “I’d need a refund…”

The actress known for her role in Avengers: Age of Ultron fought ovarian cancer at 25 and later had two children with her husband, Taran Killam, despite the challenges.

A television personality announced he had surgery for prostate cancer in July 2013 and has been cancer-free ever since.

The cohost of Dancing with the Stars recently had successful surgery to treat thyroid cancer. She shared on Twitter, thanking everyone for their support and letting them know she’s now home recovering and resting.

The actress shared some incredible news on Twitter: her doctor called her on a Saturday morning to say she’s cancer-free! She celebrated with a joyful post, exclaiming, “#wootothemotherfkinhoo.”

The Dexter star used a hiatus from his hit series to slay Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

As someone who advocates for proactive health, I always share this story: back in 2011, I discovered a mole on my calf that just didn’t look right. Thankfully, my husband encouraged me to get it checked by a doctor, and it turned out to be cancerous. We removed it quickly, and it was a really important reminder to everyone to pay attention to their skin and get anything suspicious looked at – early detection is key!

A man from Scotland is doing well after doctors successfully removed a cancerous mole from under his right eye.

The singer beat breast cancer in 2004 with a “minimally invasive” lumpectomy and radiation therapy.

The Oscar winner declared in early 2011 that his tumor was gone and he had throat cancer “beat.”

The Emmy winner whacked breast cancer in 2004.

After having skin cancer removed from under his left eye in 2008, the longtime CNN journalist almost certainly protects his skin with sunscreen when he’s outside.

The Australian pop star underwent successful surgery for breast cancer in 2005.

The actor from 7th Heaven received a Hodgkin’s disease diagnosis at just 28 years old. Now 50, he’s doing well!

The popular actress, known for her role on ER, stepped away from Parenthood in 2009 to battle breast cancer. Thankfully, her treatment worked, and she quickly returned to public events.

The America’s Got Talent judge received a colon cancer diagnosis in 2002 while filming The Osbournes. She bravely used this experience to highlight the need for regular check-ups and fought the disease with chemotherapy. Thankfully, she was given a clean bill of health the following year.

The Academy Award-winning actor overcame prostate cancer in 2003 and has appeared in approximately 400 films since then.

In 2007, the Good Morning America cohost bravely showed off her shaved head while receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.

I seriously can’t even begin to tell you how much I admire this cyclist. He faced down stage four testicular cancer – cancer! – and not only survived, but came back to absolutely dominate the Tour de France, winning it seven times in a row! It’s just… incredible. A true inspiration, honestly. I’ve followed his career for years, and that comeback is just legendary.

After successfully battling breast cancer with a lumpectomy and chemotherapy in 2005, the Grammy and Oscar-winning artist became a dedicated activist.

The comedian, known for her work on Saturday Night Live, bravely used her experience with breast cancer as inspiration for her comedy. This led to God Said Ha!, a hugely popular one-woman show that eventually played on Broadway.

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2026-06-05 03:48