Jimmy Buffett's death a reminder of importance of detecting skin cancer | Editorial

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Perhaps no one embodied Florida's carefree lifestyle more than Jimmy Buffett, singer, songwriter who turned a celebration of laid-back living into a business empire. While Buffett will always be remembered for "Margaritaville" and the lifestyle it captured, his passing should also remind his many followers of the disease that caused his death.

Mr. Buffett, 76, died of Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare form of skin cancer that is considered three to five times more deadly than melanoma. Only 3,000 cases of this disease are reported annually, and the risk factors include sun exposure and weakened immune system. Persons over the age of 50 are also more likely to contract the disease.

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Skin cancer remains the most common type of cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Merkel cell carinoma, like other forms of skin cancer typically forms as a painless red or violet colored lump on sun-exposed skin, particularly the head, neck arms and legs. It can be detected during a skin exam — the sooner, the better.

A longtime Palm Beach resident, Mr. Buffett became the face and voice of his adopted state's lifestyle. His hit song “Margaritaville,” released in 1977, inspired restaurants and resorts, turning Buffett’s alleged desire for the simplicity of island life into a multimillion brand. Just this year, Mr. Buffett joined Forbes list of world billionaires with a fortune estimated at $1 billion from his empire of restaurants, resorts, a cruise ship and frozen concoctions.

Mr. Buffett may have embodied a carefree lifestyle, but his death should be a sober reminder that no one needs to waste away in Margaritaville when taking early detection and preventative measues to stop skin cancer in its tracks.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Singer Jimmy Buffett's death should raise awareness of skin cancer