New York, NY (July 26, 2021) — Sean McDermott, Head Coach of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, is teaming up with The Skin Cancer Foundation to bring attention to the importance of prevention and early detection of the world’s most common cancer. McDermott has been personally affected by the disease and wants to encourage others to protect their skin and recognize potential skin cancers at an early stage when they are most likely to be cured.
“If I can be one small part of the solution, I want to help,” says McDermott. “By partnering with The Skin Cancer Foundation, I can bring more attention to this disease and help save lives.”
The Skin Cancer Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to decreasing the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education and by funding scientific research.
In a video filmed for the Foundation, McDermott shares his tips for effective sun protection, including daily sunscreen use and covering up with clothing, hats and sunglasses. He also emphasizes the importance of skin self-checks and urges viewers to see a dermatologist for professional skin exams.
“I’m in constant communication with my dermatologist, and I tell him right away if I see anything,” he says. “You have to get out in front of it. If you wait too long, it can be deadly.”
“We’re thrilled to have Sean’s support in the fight against skin cancer,” says Dan Latore, executive director of The Skin Cancer Foundation. “Statistics show that more men are diagnosed with skin cancer than women, but they aren’t always as concerned with protecting themselves. By working with Sean, our skin cancer prevention message will get out to more people who really need to hear it – and we will save more lives. We look forward to a long and enduring partnership.”
McDermott, who has been treated for skin precancers and nonmelanoma skin cancers, lost his mentor, Jim Johnson, to melanoma in 2009. At the time, Johnson was the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles and McDermott took over his responsibilities while he was in treatment. “It’s hard to watch a man who is so strong and seemingly invincible get struck down by cancer,” says McDermott. “That made the disease very real to me.”
Men account for more than half of new cases of invasive melanoma — and almost twice as many deaths. The good news is that it is also highly preventable. Approximately 86 percent of melanomas and 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers can be attributed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and daily sun protection can significantly reduce one’s risk.
“My job entails being outside on the practice field with our team,” says McDermott. “Because of that, I feel like I’m exposed to the sun even more than normal, so I want to make sure that I’m doing everything I can to protect myself.”
To see McDermott’s story, visit SkinCancer.org/mcdermott.
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About The Skin Cancer Foundation
The Skin Cancer Foundation saves and improves lives by empowering people to take a proactive approach to daily sun protection and the early detection and treatment of skin cancer. The mission of the Foundation is to decrease the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education and research. Since its inception in 1979, the Foundation has recommended following a complete sun protection regimen that includes seeking shade and covering up with clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses, in addition to daily sunscreen use. For more information, visit SkinCancer.org.
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