Cancer Scare For Justin Thomas Should Be A Good Lesson For Us All

Skin cancer is a very probable issue for those who are regularly exposed to the ravages of sunlight–especially us golfers. Case in point are those who golf for a living.

Justin Thomas went to his dermatologist for an apparent routine exam. What they found was anything but routine. Melanoma is a killer and if left unattended can put you away permanently. Golfweek has the story that should be a warning to us all.

Melanoma cancer is the least common but the most deadly skin cancer, accounting for only about 1% of all cases, but the vast majority of skin cancer death. In 2019, it is estimated that there will be 96,480 new cases of melanoma in the United States and 7,230 deaths from the disease.

Thomas, who won the BMW Championship last month, shared a photo on Instagram that showed an incision on his leg with stitches. When a dermatologist checked out a very small mole on his leg, it was caught in the early stages of melanoma, Thomas wrote.

“Luckily, we found it at a time where there should be no problems going forward,” he wrote. “That being said, EVERYBODY GO GET CHECKED!! No harm can come from it and it’s the best way to catch anything before it becomes a serious issue. Especially for all the junior golfers (and other athletes) spending so much time in the sun.

“It is so important to make sure you’re monitoring your body – no matter how old you are or how much sunscreen you use. It really got my attention, and hoping it does the same to y’all!”

If you haven’t visited a dermatologist, do not delay. I’ve had several basil cell carcinoma areas treated after years of beach going and golf. Sometimes, you’ll find a problem in an area not assumed–like high on the leg normally covered.