Skin cancer is on the rise around the world and you don’t care how much money you make. Although scientists are not entirely clear why more people suffer from skin cancer than ever, it is believed that climate change may play a role. The ozone layer cannot block the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays as well as it did twenty years ago. But if you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, you’re in good company. There have been many famous people with skin cancer who were successfully treated.
Senator John McCain
The 2008 Republican presidential candidate, Arizona Senator John McCain, would certainly approve of this message for his doctor to check for any strange moles as soon as possible. Unlike other types of cancers, skin cancers can usually be successfully removed by surgery. McCain was diagnosed with malignant melanoma on his left arm in 1993. Another melanoma was removed from his face in 2000. This is the most serious type of skin cancer, but McCain has been cancer-free since 2000. Perhaps McCain was emulating one of their role models.
President Ronald Reagan
One of the most famous people with skin cancer was President Ronald Reagan, who was diagnosed with the disease while still in office. A lump was removed from his nose in 1987. He returned six months later. It is very rare that a skin cancer like that had to come back. Sadly, in 2001, Ronald Regan’s daughter, Maureen, died of skin cancer at age 60.
Regis Philbin
Although unknown outside of the United States, beloved talk show and game show host Regis Philbin had two lumps of skin cancer removed by two separate procedures called Mohs surgery (also known as chemosurgery). The first lump was a square cell cancer that had to be removed from her hand. The second was more serious and on his face. Philbin is yet another on a list of famous skin cancer survivors.
Bob marley
Unfortunately, not all people with skin cancer survive. Bob Marley was only 36 when he was not only the reigning king of reggae, but also died of a combination of melanoma and brain cancer. He left behind not just thousands of grieving fans, but a wife, eight lovers, thirteen children, and no wills. In 1977 he learned that he had skin cancer and died in 1981. Marley delayed receiving any treatment due to his spiritual beliefs and fear of undergoing surgery.
One of the big concerns about skin cancer is that it could spread to other parts of the body, thus compromising any chance of recovery. Even famous people with skin cancer can die from it. It cannot be stressed enough to seek help if you discover strange moles on your skin. You can also help prevent skin cancer by wearing sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat when outside.