This week we celebrate the life of Jimmy Buffett as we also learn about Merkel cell carcinoma, the type of skin cancer that caused his death. While we share his search for that lost shaker of salt, we also advocate for smart behaviors when exposed to the sun.
What is Merkel Cell Carcinoma?
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer. Although it accounts for less than 1% of malignant skin tumors, it is the second leading cause of death from skin cancer after melanoma. It is worth noting that the incidence of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is rapidly increasing around the world by 8% every year.
Listen to learn detailed facts about MCC. Most importantly, we talk about ways to reduce your risk not just for MCC, but for all types of skin cancer.
How can I reduce my risk of skin cancer?
Seeking shade, wearing protective clothing — including a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection — and wearing sunscreen on all skin not covered by clothing — are all important behaviors to reduce your risk of skin cancer.
Tribute to Jimmy Buffett
Jimmy Buffett died on September first, 2023 at the age of 76 from Merkel cell skin cancer. We celebrate his life through the tribute by Danny Kelly.
When asked in an interview how he would like to be remembered, Jimmy answered:
I’d say “He had a good time and made a lot of people happy” would be good. Yeah, that’d be good.
— Jimmy Buffett, in Rolling Stones Interview
Related Podcast:
References:
- Life Expectancy Of Someone With Merkel Cell Carcinoma (epainassist.com)
- Burden of Disease, Early Diagnosis, and Treatment of Merkel Cell Carcinoma in Latin America – PMC (nih.gov)
- Schmerling, R. A., Casas, J. G., Cinat, G., Ospina, F. E. G., Kassuga, L. E. B. P., Tlahuel, J. L. M., & Mazzuoccolo, L. D. (2018). Burden of Disease, Early Diagnosis, and Treatment of Merkel Cell Carcinoma in Latin America. Journal of global oncology, 4, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1200/JGO.18.00041
- Spurgeon, M. E., & Lambert, P. F. (2013). Merkel cell polyomavirus: a newly discovered human virus with oncogenic potential. Virology, 435(1), 118–130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.virol.2012.09.029
- What is Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC)|Causes|Symptoms|Treatment|Complications|Prevention (epainassist.com)
- The Passing (for Jimmy Buffett) by Danny Kelly, 2023, Bookum Music.
Resources about Skin Cancer:
- What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Skin Cancer? | CDC
- Show Us Your #SunSafeSelfie! (cdc.gov)
- What You Need to Know about Sun Safety – YouTube
- Should You Put Sunscreen on Infants? Not Usually | FDA
- Severe Childhood and Adolescent Sunburns Raise Skin Cancer Risk (empowher.com)
- Skin cancer (aad.org)
- Sun protection (aad.org)
Recipe of the Week
To continue on our island theme, we talked about the funeral traditions of Jamaica, and have a recipe for margarita cake with key lime cream cheese frosting! Be sure to get the full recipe from Sweet Pea’s kitchen!
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