Dick Vitale has been calling college basketball on ESPN for forty-two years. Before starting his forty-third year he had to do something this summer. On June 28, he underwent surgery to have a growth removed from above his nose. MELANOMA!

In a piece that Vitale wrote on the ESPN website, he gives the following important advice:

 DON’T WASTE TIME! Specifically, if you notice any kind of growth, mole or skin abnormality, please get yourself checked out immediately. It’s important. I want to deliver that message loud and clear. I’m lucky.

With Melanoma, early diagnosis is crucial. It’s this simple, the earlier you detect a skin abnormality and do something about it, the better your chances of survival. That’s why you should do a regular check of your body and if you find something, get to your dermatologist as soon as possible. Maybe it’s something, maybe it’s nothing….better safe than sorry.

Since his initial surgery, Vitale has also undergone four additional procedures to sew up the affected area on his face. As a new Melanoma patient, he’ll be having quarterly checkups to make sure he’s clean and that nothing returns.

Finally, Dick Vitale doubles down on the advice in a way that only Dickie V can get away with:

“GET CHECKED, BABY! 

Related Post: The irony of having skin cancer during skin cancer awareness month

Type your email address in the box and click the “create subscription” button. My list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time.