Famous People With Skin Cancer in Politics and Entertainment

By Wendy Pan Platinum Quality Author

Skin cancer is on the rise around the world and it doesn't care how much money you make. Although scientists are not entirely clear why more people are getting skin cancer than ever before, it's thought that climate change may play some part. The ozone layer cannot block harmful UV rays from the sun as well as it could even 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 nominee for President, Arizona Senator John McCain, would certainly approve this message for you to get any strange mole checked out by your doctor 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 his 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 he was still in office. He had a lump removed from his nose in 1987. It returned six months later. It is very rare for a skin cancer such as he had to return. 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 skin cancer lumps removed through two separate procedures called Mohs surgery (also known as chemosurgery). The first lump was a sqaumous-cell cancer that had to be removed from his hand. The second was more serious and on his face. Philbin is yet another in a list of famous people with skin cancer who survived it.

Bob Marley

Sadly, not all people with skin cancer survive. Bob Marley was only 36 years old when he was not only the reigning king of reggae, but also dead from a combination of melanoma and brain cancer. He left behind not only thousands of grieving fans, but a wife, eight mistresses, thirteen children and no will. He learned in 1977 he had skin cancer and was dead by 1981. Marley delayed getting any treatment due to his spiritual beliefs and fear of going under the knife.

One of the big worries 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 still die from it. It can't be stressed enough to seek help if you discover any strange moles on your skin. You also can help prevent skin cancer by wearing sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat when outside.

Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about famous people with skin cancer, please visit Preventing Skin Cancer Online for current articles and discussions.