Jimmy Buffett Dies of Rare Skin Cancer
Singer Jimmy Buffett, known for hits like “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” died Friday at 76. He was diagnosed with a rare form of skin cancer but still performed during his cancer treatment, with a surprise appearance in Rhode Island in July.
Buffett had Merkel cell carcinoma, according to his official website. The disease is much less common than melanoma, with about 3,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the U.S., according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Risk factors include having a lot of sun exposure, having a suppressed immune system and being older than 50.
There are two origin pathways: ultraviolet light or a common virus, but fortunately there is no evidence that this form of cancer is contagious in any way, said Dr. Vernon Sondak, chair of the Cutaneous Oncology Program at Moffitt Cancer Center.
Merkel cell carcinoma often appears as a small red or purple bump under the skin.
There are no reliable markers or indicators of Merkel cell carcinoma. It often appears as a small red or purple bump under the skin, and most people think it’s a cyst or boil. Merkel cell carcinoma is identified only by a biopsy, Sondak said.
Immunotherapies were introduced about five years ago as a new treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma. Moffitt participated in the clinical trials that led to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of Bavencio (avelumab) in 2017 and Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in 2019 as first-line therapies for advanced or metastatic disease.
The survival rate for advanced cases used to be nearly zero. Now close to half of patients diagnosed with advanced disease are achieving remissions.
Buffett had a career spanning more than 50 years. Fans called themselves Parrotheads and lined up to hear favorites such as “Come Monday,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” and “Fins.”
“Jimmy Buffett epitomized the island living lifestyle,” Sondak said.
But accumulated exposure to the sun from spending a lot of time outdoors can be damaging if you don’t take precautions.
“Protecting your skin from damage by ultraviolet radiation is the best way to avoid getting skin cancers of all types, including dangerous types like melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma. Early detection is the best way to maximize your chance of cure from any form of skin cancer,” Sondak said. “Be smart in the sun, and pay attention to your skin. If you have a mole that is changing, a sore that isn’t healing or a new lump or bump on or right under your skin, get it checked out right away.”
Buffett died at his home in Sag Harbor, New York, according to his website. He is survived by his wife, Jane, daughters Savannah Jane and Sarah Delaney, son Cameron Marley, grandson Marley Ray and his loving dogs: Lola, Kingston, Pepper, Rosie, Ajax and Kody.
