{"id":6257,"date":"2024-03-21T11:00:03","date_gmt":"2024-03-21T11:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/?p=6257"},"modified":"2025-02-06T22:57:03","modified_gmt":"2025-02-06T22:57:03","slug":"bob-marley-should-not-have-died-from-melanoma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/bob-marley-should-not-have-died-from-melanoma\/","title":{"rendered":"Bob Marley Should Not Have Died from Melanoma","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

Bob Marley was diagnosed with acral lentiginous melanoma which ultimately claimed his life. Knowing the warning signs of this rare form of melanoma, finding it and treating it early enough can make the difference between life and death.<\/h4>\n

Legendary Jamaican singer, musician and songwriter, Bob Marley, was born on February 6, 1945. Sadly, Marley did not celebrate as many birthdays as he should have. He died of melanoma<\/a> in 1981 when he was only 36 years old.<\/p>\n

When a dark spot appeared under his toenail, Marley attributed it to a soccer injury. Eventually, he was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive type of skin cancer called acral lentiginous melanoma<\/a> (ALM). ALM comes from \u201cacral,\u201d an anatomical term for the peripheral parts of the body, and \u201clentiginous,\u201d for freckled appearance.<\/p>\n

\"Acral

Acral lentiginous melanoma example (not a photo of Bob Marley). Photo credit: Hugh Gloster, MD<\/p><\/div>\n

Hidden Danger <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Most melanomas are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or from tanning beds. But ALM, which develops on hairless skin such as under nails, on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands, is more likely caused by genetic factors. While ALM is rare overall, it is the most common form of melanoma found in people of color<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The five-year survival rate for Black people with melanoma is 70 percent. Most deaths from ALM occur when it is diagnosed late, after it has begun to spread. If Marley\u2019s cancer had been treated early, it could have possibly been cured. However he refused the recommended treatment, surgical removal of his toe. Instead of amputating the toe, he opted for excisional surgery<\/a>, removing the nail bed and cancerous tissue. Eventually, the melanoma spread, or metastasized, to other areas of his body, including his brain, liver and lungs, and tragically cut his life short.<\/p>\n

\"acral\"acral<\/div>\n

Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) photos<\/em><\/p>\n

When to Check Your Skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Remembering Bob Marley is a reminder that anyone\u2014of any age or skin tone\u2014can develop melanoma. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to check your skin<\/a> carefully from head to toe every month. Be sure to check areas that don\u2019t get much sunlight, like the palms of your hands, the soles of your feet, and under your fingernails and toenails. If you see anything new, changing or unusual<\/a>, it\u2019s time to \u201cget up, stand up,\u201d and get it checked out by a doctor.<\/p>\n

Search for a dermatologist in your area<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Join the #LoveYourSkin Campaign<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In memory of Bob Marley, and to raise awareness about the dangers of skin cancer, we invite you to join our public awareness campaign \u2014 #LoveYourSkin \u2014<\/strong> focused on skin cancer education, early detection and sun protection for skin of color<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It’s easy to get involved:<\/p>\n