Wrestling with Skin Cancer
- Legendary wrestling announcer Jim Ross, 72, shares that he’s undergone successful skin cancer surgery. The “voice of wrestling” has battled with skin cancer periodically since 2016, which included several rounds of radiation treatment and surgery.
- The main types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. In melanoma skin cancer cases, it is more likely to impact nearby tissue and spread or metastasize to other parts of the body.
- Dermatologist Dr. Cecilia Larocca recommends people use sunscreen with no less than SPF 30, which protects against UVB and UVA rays. Also, applying it every two hours helps ensure adequate protection over time.
- You’re most likely to find melanoma on sun-exposed skin areas like your face, neck, arms, and legs. However, skin cancer can also develop on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet. Your eyes, mouth, and under your nails may also develop skin cancer.
- The most important thing to look out for when finding skin cancer, including melanoma, is a new spot on your skin or a spot that is changing in size, shape, or color.
Longtime wrestling announcer Jim Ross’ skin cancer journey sees a ray of sunshine following successful cancer surgery. The Hall of Fame broadcaster was declared “cancer-free” in late 2021, but subsequent radiation therapy led to additional treatments prolonging his cancer journey.
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EVERY title defended!We’ll be LIVE pal…🤠 pic.twitter.com/7FgtcVm5mA — Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) October 14, 2020Ross has been dubbed the “voice of wrestling” for over 50 years. His legendary calls were the voice track to professional wrestling’s most significant moments, primarily in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). More recently, the 72-year-old announcer has juggled personal health issues with occasional announcing duties for All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
Ross revealed in October 2021 that he was diagnosed with skin cancer, marking the second time he’s dealt with the disease. He stepped away from the announce table to receive treatment for the cancer.
In a social media post at the time, he was upbeat about beating the disease.
“Skin cancer confirmed. Waiting on radiologist study to determine the best treatment. Likely radiation. Feeling great and ready to attack,” Ross said in the X post that shows a photo of his bandaged lower leg.
On my way to Orlando for tonight’s @AEW Dynamite.
Skin cancer confirmed. Waiting on radiologist study to determine best treatment. Likely radiation.
Feeling great and ready to attack.
Thanks for the support from so many. 🙏🤠 pic.twitter.com/51PRET5Mgo
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) October 23, 2021
On Ross’ podcast, “Grilling JR,” he said the type of skin cancer he was diagnosed with “isn’t the worst kind,” and he would not need chemotherapy. Ross didn’t reveal the exact type of skin cancer he was diagnosed with. A month later, in November 2021, Ross updated concerned fans on his treatment. He shared a photo of his lower leg, still bandaged, with minor discoloring on his skin.
“Skin cancer doesn’t stand a chance,” Ross commented.
Ross underwent more than 20 rounds of radiation treatments. He said his doctors found two more spots possibly linked to his cancer. He added on his podcast that those spots would need to be cut out.
More than a year later, in August 2023, Ross said in an X social media post his MRIs at the time came back negative.
GOOD NEWS!
MRI came back negative!
No cancer in my tibia. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/di9fqiWWsb
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) August 22, 2023
“No cancer in my tibia,” he added in an X social media post.
In early February of this year, Ross said he had cancer surgery on his right hip, and “All went well.”
Ross said after his experience with skin cancer; he hopes all of his podcast listeners undergo regular checks with their dermatologist for anything unusual.
Helping You Navigate Skin Cancer and Prevention
Skin Cancer Can Occur Just About Anywhere on Your Body
The main types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
In melanoma skin cancer cases, it is more likely to impact nearby tissue and spread or metastasize to other parts of the body. Melanoma also causes the most skin cancer deaths, according to the National Cancer Institute. It starts in the same cells that give your skin, hair, and eyes their color. In melanoma, the cells change in a way that allows them to spread to other organs.
Changes to a mole you’ve had for a while or a new growth on your skin could be signs of melanoma, according to SurvivorNet’s experts. You’ll want to watch them and tell your doctor about any changes you notice.
You’re most likely to find melanoma on sun-exposed skin areas like your face, neck, arms, and legs. Surprisingly, you might also find them in other places as well, like:
- The palms of your hands or soles of your feet
- On your eyes or mouth
- Under your nails
SurvivorNet skin cancer experts recommend avoiding unprotected sun exposure because ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to melanoma. Tanning beds pose ultraviolet radiation risks for skin cancer and should be avoided. Many dermatologists recommend using spray tans to reduce the risk of melanoma skin cancer.
The most important thing to look out for when it comes to finding melanoma is a new spot on your skin or a spot that is changing in size, shape, or color, SurvivorNet’s medical experts say.
When you check your skin, use the acronym ABCDE as your guide:
- Asymmetrical moles: If you drew a line straight down the center of the mole, would the sides match?
- Borders: Is the mole irregular or jagged?
- Colors: Are there multiple distinct colors in the mole?
- Diameter: Is the mole larger than 6 millimeters (mm), about the size of a pencil head eraser?
- Evolution: Has the mole’s color, shape, or size changed over time?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, our experts say it’s time to see your dermatologist for a skin check.
How to Protect Against Skin Cancer
Wearing sunscreen helps protect your skin from harmful rays from the sun that can cause skin cancer. Apply a generous amount of broad-spectrum sunscreen every two hours and wear sun-protective clothing when possible, including hats and sunglasses.
“When it comes to melanoma, if you use sunscreen, there is this great study that came out of Australia that if patients used sunscreen consistently over a period of 10 years, they were actually able to reduce their risk for melanoma by 50%,” dermatologist Dr. Cecilia Larocca tells SurvivorNet.
Many types of sunscreens are on the market, and choosing the right one could be confusing. However, experts tell SurvivorNet that outdoor activity could guide sunscreen choice.
WATCH: Choosing the right sunscreen.
Dr. Snehal Amin, a dermatologist in Manhattan, further explains this point.
Are you looking for a great sunscreen for the kids? “When using sunscreens on my younger kids, I recommend Neutrogena free and clear stick — which is zinc and titanium-based,” Dr. Amin said.
Do you an outdoor or water sport? “I make sure that I use a sports-based sunscreen. There’s a lot of sports-based sunscreens … They all are very greasy, and they stay on the skin even during water activities,” Dr. Amin said. He recommended the brand SkinCeuticals.
How else can I protect my skin? Sunscreen isn’t the only option for protecting your skin from the sun — you can also wear SPF-proof clothing. “Rather than slathering a gallon of sunscreen onto your skin and then going for a dip … it probably makes sense to wear a surf shirt which is long-sleeved, as well as certain other types of sunscreens, which are more inert to protect the environment.”
Dr. Larocca recommends using sunscreen with no less than SPF 30, which protects against UVB and UVA rays.
According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, you should:
- Avoid sun exposure during peak hours when the sun’s rays are strongest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside.
- Use at least SPF 30 broad spectrum sunblock and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.
Questions for Your Doctor
If you have been diagnosed with melanoma or some other type of skin cancer, here are some questions you may consider asking your doctor to help understand your situation:
- Has my skin cancer spread to different parts of the body, or is it localized?
- What are my treatment options?
- Will there be side effects associated with my treatment?
- What types of financial and emotional support will be available to me as I begin my cancer journey?
- How long do you expect my treatments to last?
- Will I be able to work and continue my daily activities during treatment?
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.