Jojo Robinson says that "The Real Housewives of Durban" still had a lot to offer amid Showmax shutdown.
Image: Instagram.
“I found out a few weeks ago that I have skin cancer…”
With these words, Jojo Robinson confirmed a diagnosis that has not only reshaped her health priorities but also sparked a wider conversation about skin awareness in South Africa.
The "Real Housewives Ultimate Girls’ Trip: South Africa" personality revealed the news through now-deleted Instagram stories, explaining that doctors identified invasive cancerous cells on her chest and back.
She is expected to undergo surgery to remove the affected areas, with the possibility of skin grafts. “It’s the invasive ones, and I might get skin grafts,” she said.
Invasive skin cancers, including forms such as melanoma, are often linked to cumulative sun exposure and genetic predisposition.
In a country with high UV levels year-round, this places many South Africans at increased risk, particularly those with lighter skin tones.
Robinson addressed this directly, noting that her diagnosis is rooted in both family history and environmental exposure.
“It has nothing to do with the tattoos, because it is in my genes; my mom had it, and the African sun. I have very light skin,” she explained.
While tattoos are not considered a cause of skin cancer, her situation brings attention to how they can influence detection and treatment.
Large areas of tattooed skin may make it more difficult to identify subtle changes such as irregular moles or pigmentation shifts, key early warning signs in skin cancer cases.
This makes routine skin checks an important part of a modern lifestyle, particularly for individuals with extensive body art.
Robinson also raised a practical concern linked to her tattoos and upcoming procedure.
“The problem that I have now is that my body is 90% covered in tattoos, so where do I get skin from?” she asked, referring to the challenges that can arise when sourcing unaffected skin for grafting.
Further tests are still being conducted to determine the depth and spread of the cancer.
“We do not know how deep they are, and I am hoping they have not gone into the bone… I have had some of them for many years, and I just did not know that it was cancer,” she shared.
If invasive skin cancer spreads to the bone, it is considered advanced, requiring more complex treatment.
Bone involvement can cause pain, swelling or fractures, and may require surgery that removes affected tissue, radiation therapy or systemic treatments such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
Bone invasion indicates a higher risk of further spread, making early detection and proactive monitoring critical. Doctors usually perform imaging scans to confirm whether the cancer has reached the bone before finalising a treatment plan.
Her experience reflects a growing awareness that skin health is not only cosmetic but deeply tied to lifestyle, environment, and early detection.