Formerly Rachel Dolezal, Nkechi Amare Diallo's Skin Cancer Battle and Sun Exposure Awareness
Nkechi Amare Diallo, formerly known as Rachel Dolezal, shared that she was diagnosed with skin cancer due to years of tanning, shedding light on her ongoing controversial public persona. The 48-year-old underwent surgery to remove a Stage 1 malignant melanoma from her lower back, a type of skin cancer often associated with prolonged exposure to UV radiation.
Diallo mentioned in a now-deleted Instagram post that her battle with skin cancer served as a stark reminder of the effects of sun exposure, especially since she grew up in a family that did not prioritize sunscreen. Medical experts from the Mayo Clinic highlight UV exposure as the primary cause of melanoma, particularly affecting individuals with fair skin and light features.
Despite her diagnosis, Diallo expressed her intention to avoid direct sunlight while still maintaining a darker skin tone. She shared her use of ingestible "tanning drops" containing carotene, believing that consuming carrot and beet juice can stimulate melanin production. However, the National Institute of Health clarifies that carotene can alter skin color but does not offer protection against UV damage.
Diallo gained national attention in 2015 when her background as a white woman was revealed despite her identifying as Black for years. Since then, she has embraced the name Nkechi Amare Diallo and continues to define her identity as "trans-Black." Over the years, Diallo has explored various endeavors in education, content creation, and personal branding, including launching content on OnlyFans and training as an intimacy coach.