Rather reveals treatment for skin cancer
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Dan Rather
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NEW YORK (CNN) -- CBS Evening News anchor Dan Rather told his audience Monday night that he recently had several cancerous growths removed from his face, and urged viewers to get examinations for skin cancer.
At the end of the first block of news, the 72-year-old Rather followed a report on Iraq with what he called "a personal note about the importance of getting an examination for skin cancer."
"A recent examination of my skin detected several basal cell carcinomas -- a very common and highly treatable form of skin cancer," he said. "The cells on my face and nose were removed during my recent absence from this broadcast. The healing process continues. A full recovery is expected. But it remains a humbling learning experience. So I thank you for your understanding and concern. And I urge you to get a skin cancer examination."
Basal cell carcinoma is the least serious and most common type of skin cancer, affecting 800,000 Americans every year, according to the website of the national Skin Cancer Foundation. That accounts for 75 percent of all skin cancers, according to the American Cancer Society.
The most common common cause is chronic exposure to sunlight.
The Skin Cancer Foundation says warning signs include an open sore, a reddish patch, a shiny bump, a pink growth or a "scar-like area."
