Famous people who have DIED or are SURVIVORS of Melanoma

Melanoma is not a high profile cancer, therefore there is a lack of awareness regarding the seriousness of it; most people think that “it’s ONLY Skin Cancer” and you just get it cut out and then you're OK, which is NOT the case; SOMEONE DIES EVERY HOUR, EVERYDAY OF THIS SKIN CANCER, which is unfortunate because it’s largely preventable (two-thirds of Melanoma cases are related to sun exposure) and highly curable IF detected in its early stages.  

Please click http://www.aad.org/public/exams/screenings/index.html and register to be notified of FREE Skin Cancer Screenings within a 50 mile radius of your home and encourage your friends and loved ones to do the same! 

Following is a short list of FAMOUS people whose “untimely deaths” could have been prevented:

BOB MARLEY (singer) died at age 36 in 1981 from a cancer whose primary source was an Acral Melanoma under one of his toe nails.   (http://www.melanomaupdates.com/2010/05/14/spotlight-on-melanoma/)

*Acral Melanoma one of the most common forms of melanoma in Asians and people with dark skin, accounting for up to 50% of melanomas that occur in people with these skin types.   Acral melanoma is often referred to as a “hidden melanoma” because these lesions occur on parts of the body not easily examined or not thought necessary to examine. It develops on the palms, soles, mucous membranes (such as the lining of the mouth, nose and female genitals) and underneath or near fingernails and toenails.

EVA CASSIDY (singer) died at age 33 in 1996.  evacassidy.org

STEPHEN CANNELL (American TV producer, writer, novelist & actor) died at age 69 in 2010 from complications related to Melanoma Skin Cancer.

DANNY FEDERICI (Bruce Springsteen's E Street Bandmate) died of melanoma  at age 58 in 2008 after a three-year battle.   http://www.dannyfund.org/

FRANK MCCOURT (teacher and author e.g., "Angela's Ashes") died at age 78 in 2009.

FAMOUS “SURVIVORS” OF MELANOMA:

JOHN MCCAIN (2008 U.S. Presidential candidate)

TROY AIKMAN (NFL Cowboys quarterback) was diagnosed with the "earliest stage" of Malignant Melanoma on his shoulder in 1998.  "I've known people who had skin cancer," Aikman said. "Usually they go in and the doctor freezes it. I thought that was how it always was. But melanoma is different. If you don't catch it, it can be deadly. I'm fortunate that we found it early and got it out."

EWAN MCGREGOR (Star of Blockbuster Star Wars episodes 1-3) had a cancerous mole (Melanoma) removed from his face at 36 years old in 2007.

Just to name a few.

PLEASE click on http://www.aad.org/public/exams/screenings/index.html TODAY and let others know about the LIFE-SAVING OPPORTUNITY to have a FREE Skin Cancer Screening. 

Thank you for joining along with me in creating an awareness regarding the seriousness of this deadly disease for the purpose of SAVING LIVES!  

Originally Posted by Karen Rae Selm Hickam February 9^th, 2011 at 11:44 AM