When Kim Ratcliff was diagnosed with stage three metastatic melanoma, she turned to a team of Stanford Medicine doctors for care. Now, as a survivor, Ratcliff is working to educate others about the importance of protecting skin from sun exposure.
Last fall, Ratcliff spoke at the annual Steps Against Melanoma fundraiser in San Francisco. She shared her experience over the previous ten months as a skin cancer survivor and expressed gratitude for the support she received. “The outpouring and support I’ve received has really restored my faith in humankind,” she told attendees.
Ratcliff’s treatment team included oncologist Pauline Funchain, MD; dermatologist Susan Swetter, MD; surgical oncologist Amanda Kirane, MD, PhD; and registered nurse Lisa Kennedy—all from Stanford Medicine. “I feel so lucky to have this quad of amazing women – just rock stars,” said Ratcliff, who works as a communications manager for Stanford University’s Transportation Department. “I feel very buoyed by all your strength and perseverance and involvement. The unknown is scary, but it gives me hope that we’re all in this together.”
Skin cancer rates have risen significantly in recent decades. In the United States, melanoma cases have more than tripled since 1975. However, survival rates have also improved due to new treatments such as immunotherapy.
Growing up in Northern California during the late 1970s, Ratcliff spent much time sunbathing without sunscreen—a practice common before awareness of UV risks became widespread. She only began using sunscreen regularly in her thirties after learning about its benefits.
In 2010, her husband—who is also a physician at Stanford—noticed an unusual mole on her leg. A dermatologist diagnosed stage 0 malignant melanoma and removed it immediately. Afterward, Ratcliff became vigilant about sun protection and regular skin checks.
Despite these precautions, she discovered a lump in December 2023 that led to another diagnosis: stage III metastatic melanoma had spread to her lymph node. “I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, is this going to be a death sentence?’” she recalled.
Her oncologist at Stanford Medicine explained that this was a rare late recurrence of melanoma. “Any recurrence pulls the rug out from under you,” said Funchain. “As an oncologist, you’re there when that happens and have to help patients fully grasp that – to put it all in context and provide the big picture.”
Stanford doctors started immunotherapy before surgery—a strategy based on recent studies suggesting better outcomes if tumors are treated ahead of removal or if immune cells learn to recognize cancer targets more effectively.
“Dr. Funchain is tapped into the latest research,” said Ratcliff regarding her personalized treatment plan.
Although pre-surgery immunotherapy shrank her tumor by less than 10%, surgery successfully removed eight lymph nodes with cancer found only in one node.
After surgery came another decision: whether to pursue preventative therapy against future recurrence despite possible side effects. Funchain compared this approach to an insurance policy: “Few people benefit, but some appreciate the peace of mind.” Together they decided on targeted therapy—daily medication designed to block remaining cancer cells—which caused significant side effects until doctors adjusted her dosage.
In May 2024 Ratcliff completed treatment and continues regular follow-ups with her medical team at Stanford Medicine for monitoring through scans and exams every few months.
Ratcliff says she values how closely coordinated her providers are: “I feel that they’re all on the same page, and everything gets discussed so well.” There is currently no evidence of recurring disease.
She now advocates for public education around sun safety—especially among young people—and speaks at events supporting melanoma research while countering misinformation online about sunscreen use and tanning trends among younger generations.
“I want young people to understand that they’re not invincible and that what we do when we’re young can have repercussions later in life,” said Ratcliff.
Funchain described seeing patients like Ratcliff move forward after difficult diagnoses as rewarding: “The special thing about being an oncologist is you’re with people in very scary times… Whether it’s the good moments or the bad moments, it’s really an honor and beautiful to share that.”
This story was originally published by Stanford Medicine.
