Actor William Shatner, 95, disclosed a recent battle with Stage 4 melanoma that had metastasized to his lungs and brain. Shatner revealed his diagnosis in 2023, a year after his daughter, Melanie Shatner Gretsch, began treatment for metastatic breast cancer.
"They said, ‘You got cancer. If you came in later, you would have been dead,’" Shatner told People magazine.
Melanie Shatner Gretsch, 65, recalled thinking during her own treatment, "I don’t have the strength to take care of myself and lose my father at the same time."
Diagnosis and Treatment
The discovery of Shatner's melanoma occurred when his daughter noticed a lump on his cheek. Initially dismissed as a blocked salivary gland by his doctor, the mass continued to grow. A friend's urging led Shatner to seek further medical attention, ultimately resulting in surgery to remove the facial tumor. This was followed by two years of immunotherapy to address the cancer in his lungs and brain.
Shatner and his daughter are now both cancer-free. They are launching a new podcast, "No Time but Now," on July 29, which will focus on health, wellness, and longevity, featuring interviews with health experts and cancer survivors.
Melanoma: A Dangerous Form of Skin Cancer
Melanoma, which translates to "black tumor," is considered the most dangerous type of skin cancer due to its high potential to spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early. Unlike other skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma, melanoma cells can quickly spread via the bloodstream and lymphatic system.
Experts note that risk factors for melanoma include lighter skin, age, male gender, numerous moles, a personal or family history of the disease, and a history of blistering sunburns, particularly in childhood. Increased sun exposure also raises the risk.
Recognizing and Preventing Melanoma
Melanomas can manifest as new moles, changing moles, or spots with irregular shapes, borders, or colors, often exhibiting shades of brown, black, pink, red, or white. The "ABCDEs" of melanoma serve as a guide: asymmetry, border irregularity, color variability, diameter greater than 6 millimeters, and evolution of a mole.
However, professional evaluation by a dermatologist is crucial, as some benign moles can appear atypical and some melanomas may not be pigmented.
Most skin cancers are linked to excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. Prevention measures include daily sunscreen use with an SPF of 30 or higher, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. UV rays can penetrate clouds and reflect off surfaces, making protection necessary even on overcast days. Indoor tanning beds, which emit harmful UV radiation, significantly increase melanoma risk.
Survival Rates and Prognosis
Early detection is critical for successful melanoma treatment. When caught in its early stages, melanoma can often be cured with simple surgical excision and has a high survival rate. The American Cancer Society reports that 99% of patients survive for five years after diagnosis if the melanoma has not spread beyond the skin. However, this survival rate drops to approximately 35% when the cancer has metastasized to distant parts of the body.
In 2025, the American Cancer Society estimated that around 104,960 new melanoma cases would be diagnosed in the U.S., with an estimated 8,430 deaths from the disease. Medical professionals advise seeking immediate consultation with a dermatologist for any unusual skin spots.