Mourning Jimmy Buffet

Written by: Dr. Mac Machan, Board Certified Dermatologist & Fellowship Trained Mohs Surgeon

Parrot Heads around the world are mourning the passing of musician and author, Jimmy Buffett. For almost five decades, his music has transported us to tropical paradises, complete with sandy beaches and refreshing drinks under the sun. However, the sad truth is that those years spent in the sun without proper protection likely contributed to the rare skin cancer that eventually took his life. In a statement on his website, it was revealed that Mr. Buffett had been suffering from Merkle Cell Carcinoma for four years before succumbing to the disease on September 1, 2023.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, affecting millions of people each year. While Merkle Cell Carcinoma is rare, it is still estimated to affect one in 130,000 people in the US, with approximately 3,000 new cases diagnosed annually. We see several each year in our clinic alone. However, if caught early, patients with Merkle Cell Carcinoma can do well as long as the cancer has not spread beyond the skin. The five-year survival rate for more common skin cancers, such as Basal Cell, Squamous Cell, and even Melanoma, is 99% as long as the cancer is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes.

While early detection is crucial in treating and removing skin cancer, your first and best step in protecting your skin is prevention.

Follow these steps to prevent skin cancer:
– Seek shade and avoid damaging UV rays. Stay out of the sun during peak hours of 10 am to 4 pm.
– Apply sunscreen liberally and reapply every two hours or after swimming, sweating, or towel drying. Use a minimum of SPF 30.
– Avoid tanning beds or sunlamps.
– Wear sun protective clothing.
– Check your skin regularly for an…