Checkout the famous people with skin cancer

A funny thing about skin cancer, it doesn't care if you are rich or famous. Famous people get skin cancer too.

If you've been diagnosed with any kind of skin cancer, you're in good company. Here is a list of just a few famous people with skin cancer:

Senator John McCain

The 2008 Republican nominee for President and Senator from Arizona, John McCain, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma on his left arm in 1993. Another melanoma was removed from his face in 2000. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, but McCain has been cancer-free since 2000. Unlike other types of cancers, skin cancers can usually be successfully removed through surgery.

President Ronald Reagan & Maureen Reagan

President Ronald Reagan was diagnosed with the disease while he was still in office. He had a lump removed from his nose in 1987, but it returned six months later. It is very rare for a skin cancer such as he had to return. Ronald Reagan's daughter Maureen Reagan died of skin cancer at age 60.

Regis Philbin

Regis Philbin has had two skin cancer scares. He has had two lumps removed through a procedure called Mohs surgery (also known as chemosurgery). The first lump was squaumous cell skin cancer and was removed from his hand. The second one was on his face, and was more serious. I happened to be watching his morning show after his return and he thanked his Skin Cancer Surgeon - Roy G. Geronemus, MD.

Back in 1993 Dr. Geronemus performed Mohs skin cancer surgery on my face.

Bob Marley

Bob Marley was only 36 years old when he died from a combination of melanoma and brain cancer. Sadly, he learned in 1977 he had skin cancer, but due to his spiritual beliefs and fear of going under the knife, he delayed getting treatment. He was dead four years later.

Skin cancer is highly curable with early detection and proper treatment. One of the big worries about skin cancer is that it could spread to other parts of the body, thus decreasing any chance of recovery. As you can see, famous people with skin cancer endure the same diagnosis, questions and treatments as the rest of us.


There are many other famous people with skin cancer, bit it’s not about the “who” gets it – this site is about how to prevent it. Learn more about sun protection and safety.