“Below Deck Down Under” captain reveals melanoma diagnosis, encourages sun protection
"Look Australia, two out of three people suffer from [skin cancer]. It’s a big thing," he told his fellow Aussies in an Instagram video.
Mark Rogers/Bravo
Below Deck Down Under star Jason Chambers is urging fans to exercise proper skincare in the wake of his recent melanoma diagnosis.
In a video shared to his Instagram on Monday, the charter captain and Bravo reality star announced his diagnosis and shared some tips for preventing skin cancer. "For someone that spent their life in the sun, as a child playing sport to working on the ocean, I thought I was resistant to the damaging effects of the sun,” Chambers, 52, captioned the video. “I love the sun and its health benefits are evident, but be wise and like everything in life, it’s all about balance, choose your battles. With a diagnosed melanoma biopsy, I now have an anxious wait and what I thought was a skin spot turned in just 6 months, early detection is the key.”
He concluded his caption with specific advice: "So find a chemical free sunscreen product, get some shade with a hat and enjoy the sun with protection."
Mark Rogers/Bravo
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In the video itself, Chambers told viewers that he was initially tested in Bali, and is back home in Australia waiting for that first biopsy specimen to arrive so his doctors can test it further to determine the severity of the melanoma.
“The Australian doctors, which are fantastic in Australia, they weren’t happy with what the indications told them to go to the stage two which would be to cut out a bigger section and test the glands,” Chambers said, adding that because of holidays he may have "a bit of a wait" until he knows more.
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In the meantime, the TV personality warned followers, specifically his fellow Aussies, that a heat wave is coming to the country. “Look Australia, two out of three people suffer from [skin cancer]. It’s a big thing.”
He added, “I never used to wear sunscreen when I was on the boat. I used to put zinc on my nose, the reason being the chemicals, but there’s so many products out there that are chemical-free now, which is great.”
The reality star ended his video by encouraging viewers to not necessarily avoid the sun altogether, but to just be smarter about their choices when they do.
“Make sure you throw on some sunscreen, get some shade and cover yourself up and enjoy your day out in the sun,” Chambers concluded.
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