Joe Buck lends legendary voice to skin cancer awareness

Joe Buck lends legendary voice to melanoma awareness

FOX Sports broadcaster talks about prevention and detection of skin cancer after the disease hits close to home

Sports broadcaster Joe Buck has called Super Bowls and World Series but now he is lending his legendary voice to very important cause; melanoma awareness. Buck’s mother was diagnosed with the deadly disease in the early 2000s. Fortunately, the cancer was removed before it spread to other parts of the body.

Buck is teaming up with the American Academy of Dermatology to raise awareness about prevention and detection of the deadliest form of skin cancer. Dr. Abel Torres, president of American Academy of Dermatology, told FoxNews.com that the reason melanoma is so deadly is because it’s more likely to spread throughout the body via the bloodstream than any other type. In fact, one person dies from melanoma every hour.

“It’s really an epidemic in terms of it’s been increasing over time…we’re seeing more and more of it,” Torres said.

In order to prevent skin cancer, it’s important to know its causes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common cause is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) lights, which is an invisible kind of radiation that can penetrate and change skin cells. UV light can come from sunlight, tanning beds and sunlamps. Prevention is possible and Buck and Torres hope by raising awareness they can save lives.

“[Be] smart in the sun, [seek] shade, long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, [make] sure that when you are in the sun you're protected by an SPF of 30 or higher,” Buck told FoxNews.com.

As far as detection, people are encouraged to pay attention to their bodies and note any irregularities on the skin. It is also recommended to do frequent screenings with a board-certified dermatologist. Early detection is key in dealing with skin cancer and melanoma, and can be lifesaving like it was in the case of Buck’s mother.

Like many cancers, melanoma does not discriminate -- everyone is at risk for this deadly disease. However, those with a family history are also at a higher risk.

For more information on how to spot skin cancer and to find out how to get a free screening, visit SpotMe.org.