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Sam Champion's Decades-Long Battle: The Exact Skin Cancer Type And 5 Critical Warning Signs He Wants You To Know

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Few public figures have been as candid about a long-term health struggle as Sam Champion. As of December 20, 2025, the beloved Good Morning America and WABC-TV weather anchor continues to use his platform to raise awareness about skin cancer, a battle he has faced since his mid-twenties. His openness about his multiple surgeries and the specific diagnosis provides a crucial, life-saving lesson for millions of viewers about sun safety and regular dermatological check-ups.

The core of Champion's decades-long health journey centers on a highly common, yet serious, form of the disease. His personal experience, which includes recent surgical procedures, serves as a powerful reminder that skin cancer is a recurring threat, even for those who are highly vigilant. Understanding the exact type of cancer he has battled is the first step in absorbing his vital message.

Sam Champion: A Comprehensive Biography and Career Profile

Samuel James Champion is one of America's most recognizable and trusted weather anchors, known for his charismatic on-air presence and extensive knowledge of meteorology. His career spans over four decades, marked by significant roles at major national networks.

  • Full Name: Samuel James Champion
  • Date of Birth: August 13, 1961
  • Place of Birth: Paducah, Kentucky
  • Current Roles (as of 2025): Weather Anchor for WABC-TV (New York) and Weather Editor for ABC News, frequently appearing on Good Morning America (GMA).
  • Career Highlights:
    • Began his career as an intern at WKYT-TV in Lexington, KY.
    • Served as the primary weather anchor for Good Morning America from 2006 to 2013.
    • Co-anchored AMHQ: America's Morning Headquarters and hosted 23.5 Degrees With Sam Champion on The Weather Channel.
    • Recipient of multiple awards, including four Emmy Awards.
  • Personal Life: Champion is married to Rubem Robierb, an artist. They celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary in 2024, a milestone that coincided with one of his public health updates.

The Specific Skin Cancer Type Sam Champion Has Battled

The specific diagnosis that Sam Champion has repeatedly shared with the public is Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC). While he has had "dozens" of skin cancers removed over the years, his most recent and publicly discussed case was a type called Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma.

What is Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)?

Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, and it is also the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the world.

  • Origin: It develops in the basal cells, which are found in the deepest layer of the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin).
  • Cause: BCC is almost always caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or indoor tanning beds.
  • Prognosis: BCC is generally slow-growing and rarely spreads to other parts of the body (metastasizes). However, if left untreated, it can grow deep into the skin, causing significant damage and disfigurement to surrounding tissue, nerves, and bone.

The Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma Distinction

Champion specifically mentioned being treated for Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma. This is the most common subtype of BCC.

  • Appearance: Nodular BCC typically presents as a small, firm, round nodule or "pimple-like" bump. It is often pearly or translucent, which is a key distinguishing feature.
  • Vascularity: You may notice tiny, visible blood vessels (telangiectasias) on the surface of the nodule, giving it a reddish or pinkish hue.
  • Location: These lesions frequently appear on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the head and neck, which explains why Champion's most recent surgery was near his eye.

The Treatment: Mohs Surgery and the Recurrence Risk

Champion's long history with BCC highlights two critical aspects of skin cancer management: the necessity of specialized treatment and the high risk of recurrence.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

For his treatment, Sam Champion underwent a procedure known as Mohs micrographic surgery.

  • Effectiveness: Mohs surgery is considered the gold standard and most effective treatment for Basal Cell Carcinoma, especially in cosmetically sensitive areas like the face, nose, ears, and around the eyes.
  • The Process: The procedure involves removing the cancer layer by layer, with each layer immediately examined under a microscope. This process continues until no cancer cells are visible at the margins. This technique maximizes the removal of cancer cells while minimizing the removal of healthy tissue, which is crucial for reducing scarring.
  • The Scar: Champion's recent return to television with a visible scar under his left eye was a direct result of this necessary surgery, which he proudly displayed to encourage others to get checked.

The High Risk of Recurrence and New Lesions

Champion's experience is a textbook example of the chronic nature of skin cancer for high-risk individuals. BCC patients have a significantly increased risk of developing new BCC lesions or other types of skin cancer in the future.

Champion has had skin cancer removed "dozens" of times since his first diagnosis at age 26. This ongoing battle underscores the importance of a lifelong commitment to surveillance and prevention. The longer treatment is delayed, the more likely the BCC is to recur, sometimes repeatedly, making early detection paramount.

5 Critical Warning Signs Sam Champion Wants You to Watch For

As a passionate advocate for skin health, Sam Champion consistently urges the public to be proactive. His message is clear: regular self-exams and annual professional screenings are non-negotiable. He wants everyone to be familiar with the early warning signs of Basal Cell Carcinoma.

Here are the 5 key signs to look for, which are common manifestations of BCC:

  1. A Pearly or Translucent Bump: Look for a raised, dome-shaped spot that appears shiny, waxy, or translucent. It may be pink, red, or white. This is the classic sign of Nodular BCC.
  2. A Sore That Won't Heal: Any open sore or lesion that bleeds, oozes, or crusts and remains open for several weeks—or heals and then comes back—should be immediately examined by a dermatologist.
  3. A Reddish Patch or Irritated Area: Look for a flat, scaly, or slightly raised patch of skin, usually reddish or brown. It can often be mistaken for eczema or a persistent patch of dry skin.
  4. A Pink Growth with Rolled Edges: The lesion may have a slightly elevated, rolled border with a central indentation. Small blood vessels may be visible on the surface.
  5. A Scar-Like Area: In less common forms (like Morpheaform BCC), the lesion can appear as a white, yellow, or waxy scar-like area with poorly defined borders, indicating a more aggressive growth pattern.

Champion’s willingness to share his personal journey—from the initial shock of his diagnosis to the visible scar from his most recent Mohs surgery—has turned a private health crisis into a public health education campaign. His story is a powerful testament to resilience and the life-saving impact of early detection and consistent dermatological care.

sam champion skin cancer type
sam champion skin cancer type

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