AMERICAN SONGWRITER, MUSICIAN, and businessman Jimmy Buffett. The billionaire was best known for his tropical rock music, which often portrayed a lifestyle described as “island escapism.” Buffett, the roguish bard of island escapism, recently died of Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare skin cancer. Today we explore Jimmy Buffett’s cancer.
Buffett became a folk hero to fans known as Parrot Heads. He also became a billionaire. Do you know his songs “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise?”
https://newcancerinfo.com/media/ab24f38ef5140cf44f0cff1664e1af8a
Buffett died on September 1st, 2023. He was 76. This essay explores his cause of death, a rare skin cancer known as Merkel cell carcinoma.
Buffett’s website stated that he “passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music, and dogs.”
We’ll end with reducing your chances of getting Merkel cell carcinoma.
What is Merkel Cell Carcinoma?
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare skin cancer type. The tumor typically appears as a flesh-colored (or bluish-red) nodule on the head or neck.
Some refer to Merkel cell carcinoma as a neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin.
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer that usually appears as a flesh-colored or bluish-red nodule, often on your face, head, or neck.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma — Key Points
The U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) gives these key points about Merkel cell carcinoma:
- It is very rare.
- Sun exposure and a weak immune system can affect Merkel cell carcinoma risk.
- A biopsy establishes the diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma.
Merkel cell carcinoma typically appears as a single painless lump on sun-exposed skin.
Unfortunately, Merkel cell carcinoma tends to grow rapidly and to spread (metastasize) early in its development.
The cancer typically spreads first to nearby lymph nodes and then may spread to distant sites (such as the lungs, bones, brains, etc.).
Merkel cell carcinoma is the second most common cause of skin cancer death after melanoma.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma — Incidence
The U.S. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program data from 1986 to 2001 indicates that the annual incidence of MCC tripled from 0.15 to 0.44 per 100,000. This rise represents an eight percent annual increase.
Although this rate of increase is faster than any other skin cancer, the overall number of U.S. cases per year is small.
About 1,500 new cases of Merkel cell carcinoma occur annually in the United States.
The highest incidence of MCC is in whites, males, and people older than 65. Only 49 percent of cases were localized.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma — Reducing Your Risk
Anything that increases your risk of a disease is a risk factor. Of course, if you have a risk factor, it does not mean you will get cancer.
The converse is also true; not having risk factors is not a complete shield against cancer.
Here are some risk factors for Merkel cell carcinoma, according to the American Cancer Society:
- Exposure to a lot of natural light.
- Exposure to artificial sunlight, such as from tanning beds or psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy for psoriasis.
- A weakened immune system.
- Having a history of other cancer types.
- Light-colored skin.
- Age over 50.
- Male sex.
The first risk factor is modifiable. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight.
Concerning Skin Lesions? Check With Your Doctor
If you have concerning skin changes, please check with your healthcare provider.
Merkel cell carcinoma usually appears on sun-exposed skin as a single lump that is painless and fast-growing. The lesion is often firm and dome-shaped or raised.
Many Merkel cell carcinomas are red or violet.
I will end on a hopeful note. New immunotherapy approaches are showing promise.
Did you know that Mr. Buffett had a fondness for puns? The title “A White Sport Coat” was inspired by the song “A White Sport Coat (and a Pink Carnation),” a 1957 pop hit for the country singer Marty Robbins. Another album was called “Last Mango in Paris.”
“Oh, yesterdays are over my shoulder,
So I can’t look back for too long.
There’s just too much to see waiting in front of me,
and I know that I just can’t go wrong.”
― Jimmy Buffett
The information I provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. I am not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this blog.
Thank you for reading “Jimmy Buffett‘s Cancer.
