Celebrities and Skin Cancer: Inspiring Stories of Resilience and Awareness

Famous People with Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, affecting people from all walks of life. Even famous celebrities and public figures are susceptible to developing this disease. When well-known people open up about their skin cancer diagnoses, it helps raise awareness and funding for research. Here are some of the notable famous people who have battled skin cancer.

Hugh Jackman

Australian actor Hugh Jackman has been very public about his recurring battles with basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. He has undergone multiple procedures to treat basal cell carcinomas on his nose as well as cancerous growths on his neck. The Wolverine star urges fans to wear sunscreen and get regular skin checks after his personal experiences.

Bob Marley

Legendary reggae musician Bob Marley died from melanoma skin cancer in 1981 at just 36 years old. Marley was diagnosed with acral lentiginous melanoma, a form of the disease that affects the palms, soles of the feet, or nails. Some believe that an injury to his toe while playing soccer led to the development of Marley's melanoma. To honor his legacy, his family launched a campaign to increase melanoma awareness.

Troy Aikman

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and Hall of Fame player Troy Aikman announced in 2022 that he was diagnosed with stage 1 melanoma. The football legend brought attention to the risks of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers even for those who don't spend a lot of time in the sun. Aikman underwent surgery and treatment to remove the melanoma.

Diahann Carroll

Actress Diahann Carroll, famous for her starring role on the TV series Julia, died in 2019 at age 84 after a battle with breast cancer that spread to her spine and brain. But years earlier in the 1990s, Carroll was also treated for skin cancer. She shared her experiences to bring awareness to cancer screening and prevention.

Bill Clinton

While still in office as U.S. president, Bill Clinton had a squamous cell carcinoma skin cancer removed from his nose in 2004. The minor procedure required local anesthesia to examine and remove the cancerous lesion. As one of the most well-known people ever diagnosed with this common form of skin cancer, Clinton shed light on the importance of early detection.

Melanie Griffith

Actress Melanie Griffith, known for films like Working Girl and Body Double, was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2009. She underwent surgery to treat basal cell carcinoma on her face. Griffith cited years of sunbathing and using tanning beds earlier in her career as likely contributing to her skin cancer risk. She is now an advocate for sun protection and skin cancer awareness.

Randy Johnson

Legendary baseball pitcher Randy Johnson announced in 2022 that he was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma skin cancer. The 6'10" Hall of Fame player underwent Mohs surgery to remove two cancerous spots on his face as well as a large basal cell carcinoma on his shoulder. Johnson spent many years in the sun pitching without sunscreen, leading him to speak out about sun safety.

Victoria Montgomery

Runway model and America’s Next Top Model contestant Victoria Montgomery has publicly shared her experiences surviving two bouts of basal cell carcinoma skin cancer. Montgomery had cancerous growths surgically removed from her nose in 2020 and ear in 2022. She uses her platform to promote skin cancer prevention and regular skin checks.

Melissa Anne Rivers

The daughter of comedian Joan Rivers, TV host Melissa Rivers has been open about her basal cell carcinoma diagnosis and treatment. She has undergone several procedures to remove basal cell growths from her neck and chest. Rivers encourages her social media followers to wear sunscreen daily and see a dermatologist annually.

Cybill Shepherd

Actress Cybill Shepherd revealed in 2019 that she was being treated for basal cell carcinoma skin cancer. She also dealt with precancerous actinic keratoses from years of sun exposure. Shepherd went public with her story to raise awareness about sun damage, stating she wished she knew about sunscreen when she was younger.

Neil Tennant

Singer Neil Tennant, the frontman of electronic pop duo Pet Shop Boys, went through treatment for melanoma in 2012. After a mole on his eyelid was found to be cancerous, Tennant had surgery to remove the melanoma. His cancer battle resulted in him getting more involved in promoting skin cancer prevention and early diagnosis.

Kathy Bates

Veteran actress Kathy Bates disclosed in 2012 that she was diagnosed with and successfully treated for breast cancer as well as ovarian cancer. Several years later in 2017, doctors found basal cell skin cancer near her eye. Bates had the cancer removed and continues to be closely monitored while advocating for routine screening.

Morgan Freeman

Acclaimed actor Morgan Freeman was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2008 after suffering an accident. During a medical exam related to his condition, doctors found a bump under Freeman's eyebrow that turned out to be basal cell carcinoma. The growth was soon removed, and Freeman has been proactive about monitoring his skin ever since.

Carly Simon

Singer-songwriter Carly Simon discovered she had basal cell carcinoma in 2022 after having an unusual spot biopsied on her shoulder. Although basal cell carcinoma is slow-growing and highly treatable, Simon said the diagnosis encouraged her to be vigilant about sunscreen and skin protection.

Jeremy Piven

In 2018, Entourage star Jeremy Piven shared that he had a cancerous growth removed after it was noticed by a friend. The biopsy found melanoma in situ, an early stage skin cancer confined to the outermost skin layer. Piven frequently reminds his social media followers to use sunscreen, get skin checks, and perform self-exams.

Robin Roberts

Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts publicly battled breast cancer and myelodysplastic syndrome. Roberts was also diagnosed with and treated for skin cancer in 2006. Since then, she has partnered with organizations to promote skin cancer education and sun safety practices like avoiding tanning beds.

Ed Lauter

Character actor Ed Lauter died in 2013 at age 74 after a long battle with mesothelioma. But years before that, he was diagnosed with and recovered from squamous cell carcinoma. Lauter was successfully treated for the skin cancer that was caught early. He advocated for cancer screenings during the remainder of his life.

Jere Burns

Actor Jere Burns, known for roles on TV shows like Justified and Angie Tribeca, opened up about his basal cell carcinoma diagnosis and treatment in 2017. Burns had a cancerous lesion surgically removed from his nose. He uses his platform to implore fans not to pick at their skin and to get regular skin cancer screenings.

Brian Skerry

National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry revealed he was diagnosed with and treated for basal cell carcinoma in 2017. Years of sun exposure while on photography assignments led him to develop the skin cancer on his face. After his recovery, Skerry committed himself to advocating for melanoma research and education.

John McCain

The late Senator John McCain passed away in 2018 from brain cancer. Years before his glioblastoma diagnosis, McCain had several bouts with melanoma skin cancer. In 1993, 2000, and 2002, McCain had cancerous melanomas removed from his face, arm, and nose along with lymph nodes. His melanoma battle exemplified the importance of awareness and screening.

Jennifer Gray

Dirty Dancing actress Jennifer Grey cited frequent sun exposure as an adolescent as the likely cause of her skin cancer. At age 29, she had a precancerous growth surgically removed from her arm that was on the verge of turning malignant. She is now diligent about sun protection and getting regular skin checks.

Danny White

Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Danny White announced he was diagnosed with and treated for melanoma in 1993. White had surgery to remove the cancerous growth on his face as well as some precautionary cosmetic surgery. He has been cancer-free since recovering and stresses the importance of sunscreen and early detection.

The Impact of Famous Skin Cancer Diagnoses

When celebrities and other notable figures reveal their skin cancer diagnoses, it often creates more public interest in prevention and treatment. Stars like Hugh Jackman and Bob Marley have brought immense attention to melanoma and nonmelanoma cancers.

Famous people dealing with skin cancer reminds us that anyone can be affected, regardless of age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status. Celebrities highlighting their diagnoses encourages people to get screened, practice sun protection, and perform routine self-exams.

The skin cancer experiences of prominent figures also drive fundraising efforts for research and clinical trials. A number of celebrities donate their time and money to skin cancer foundations after going through their own health issues.

Advocacy and awareness from famous people with skin cancer has undoubtedly saved lives by encouraging those at risk to get checked. Early detection, treatment, and prevention education are critical to reducing skin cancer incidence and mortality.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.