Paitent Stories

Bruce Ballingall

From Police Officer to Melanoma Advocate

I’m Bruce Ballingall, a retired police officer who served for 40 years—10 in Winnipeg and 30 in New Westminster. My career allowed me to experience the best of both the prairies and the west coast. Before law enforcement, I worked as a buyer for Eaton’s buying items like shoes and handbags. In my lifetime, I’ve travelled to places like San Francisco and Australia, eventually settling on Vancouver Island. My life has been full of experiences, but nothing could have prepared me for how melanoma would impact me and my family. 

I come from a family of six brothers, all of whom have battled various forms of skin cancer—basal cell carcinoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. My own struggle with melanoma began at age 41 with a mole on my lower lip that required eight hours of surgery. But that was only the beginning. 

Five years ago, my wife noticed a spot on my head and sent a photo to our dermatologist, which led to another melanoma diagnosis. During surgery, a biopsy of 12 lymph nodes from my neck confirmed I also had p16 squamous cell throat cancer. Around this time, I underwent a lung biopsy, one of the scariest experiences of my life. I was already dealing with a persistent cough, a side effect of the radiation I had received. The doctor warned me that coughing during the biopsy could cause a stroke—imagine trying to breathe while someone tells you not to cough! Thankfully, I made it through the procedure, which revealed that melanoma had spread to my lungs. Since then, I’ve had five surgeries to remove melanoma from my head, including skin grafts, 33 rounds of radiation, and several rounds of immunotherapy. 

The treatments have been tough. I’ve dealt with dry mouth, trouble swallowing, loss of taste, and lymphedema. But I’m now skin cancer-free, though I still battle b-cell lymphoma, a low-grade blood cancer which my doctor reassures me that I’ll die with it, not from it.  

For the foreseeable future, my skin health will be monitored every 3 months at a minimum by Dr. Michael Copley, my Dermatologist of record. Dr. Copley is at the forefront of advocating for more dermatologists and healthcare professionals trained in dermatology for Melanoma Canada’s Mole Mobile initiative. His commitment ensures that people like me receive the care we need and that awareness around skin cancer continues to grow. 

Throughout this journey, I’ve made an effort to keep my energy up and stay positive. I still golf and curl, which helps maintain my spirits. My faith has never wavered, and I’m incredibly grateful to the healthcare workers and staff at the BC Cancer Centre. Their support, along with that of my family and friends, has been invaluable. 

If only I had understood the importance of sun safety growing up. As a teenager, I spent countless hours on the beach, working on a tan without thinking about protection. Even as a police officer spending long hours outside, I didn’t always consider sun safety. It wasn’t until I spent time in Australia in 1992 that I became more sun conscious. Later, when one of my brothers started working at a ski resort, I took up skiing and became diligent about sun protection, always wearing a helmet and ensuring I was shielded from the sun’s rays. 

A turning point for me was when a dermatologist caught the first melanoma on my lip in the late ’80s. My brother’s skin cancer had prompted me to see a dermatologist. Since then, I’ve had several spots treated and used Fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy lotion to manage my skin. 

Despite the challenges, I’ve never doubted my faith, my doctors, or the prompt care I’ve received. My wife has been by my side through it all. Recently, I’ve faced seizures—likely due to all the surgeries and treatments—but I strive to stay positive. It’s been tough, but I’m learning to accept this new challenge. 

A significant part of my journey has been my relationship with Brian “Red” Hamilton, the Assistant Equipment Manager of the Vancouver Canucks. I’ve known Red since the day he was born, and when he asked me to become a spokesperson for Melanoma Canada’s Mole Mobile, I was honoured. Red’s connection to melanoma is personal too—a fan spotted a suspicious mole on him during a game, leading to his own melanoma diagnosis. Battling melanoma and all cancers is a family affair for us. 

I participated in last year’s Golf and Grill Tournament hosted by Red in Vancouver and plan to take part in this September’s event as well. This year, all five of my brothers are planning to show up to support Red and his wife Jess to raise funds for Melanoma Canada. It’s how the Hamiltons and Ballingalls have always supported one another! On the course, Red even refers to me as his “designated survivor.” 

Advocating for melanoma awareness has become my mission. I talk to anyone who will listen about the importance of sun safety because we’re all in this together. If sharing my experience can help others avoid melanoma, it’s worth every effort. 

Today, I hope for continued advancements in melanoma research and support. My journey isn’t over, but I’m committed to seeing a future where fewer people face the challenges my family and I have endured. If I can contribute to that future, then I know I’ve made a difference. So, if I could leave one message for everyone, it would be this: APPRECIATE the resources around you and never take them for granted.