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Bob Marleys Cause Of Death
The Rare Acral Lentiginous Melanoma

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Bob Marley Songs and Lyrics | image source: Rolling StoneBob Marleys Cause Of Death

By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

Bob Marley blessed the world with a message of peace, love, and unity through his music. He rose to international fame and became a pioneer of reggae music and an icon for the Rastafarian movement. Tragically, cancer took him away from us at the young age of 36 years old.

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The Botched Assassination Attempt

Before he was diagnosed with cancer, Bob went through a violent attack. On December 3, 1976, just two days before the "Smile Jamaica" concert, his home was stormed by seven armed men in an assassination attempt. It was seen as politically motivated, given the intense rivalry at the time between our two political parties People's National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). Marley, who was perceived as having political influence due to his popularity, was caught in the crossfire of this rivalry since the event was aimed at easing political tensions on our island.

During the attack, he was shot in the chest and arm, while his wife, Rita, his manager, Don Taylor, and a band employee were also injured. Remarkably, despite his injuries, Marley went on to perform at the concert two days later, famously stating, "The people who are trying to make this world worse aren’t taking a day off. How can I?"

The Diagnosis and Battle with Melanoma

Just six months after narrowly escaping death he was hit with a devastating cancer diagnosis. An inconspicuous dark spot had appeared under his toenail, which overtime grew and became more painful. It was initially misdiagnosed as a soccer injury, which was a plausible assumption given his love for the sport. However, further examination revealed that the lesion was actually a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer known as acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM).

ALM is distinct from other types of melanoma because it occurs on the hairless skin, such as the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, and under the nails. Unlike most melanomas, which are primarily caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, ALM is not linked to sun exposure but is believed to be influenced by genetic factors. This type of melanoma is more common in people of colour, including those of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent, though it is rare overall.

Like most Rastafarians, despite the seriousness of his diagnosis, he refused the recommended treatment, which was to simply amputate his toe to prevent the cancer from spreading. Rastafarians hold the belief that the body should remain "whole." Instead, he opted for less invasive surgery to remove the nail bed and cancerous tissue. Unfortunately, this decision allowed the cancer to metastasize, spreading to his brain, liver, and lungs.

Final Days and Legacy

As the cancer progressed, despite his deteriorating health, he continued to tour and produce music. In September 1980, during his "Uprising" tour in the United States, he collapsed while jogging in Central Park, New York. This led to the discovery that the cancer had spread to his brain. Despite the grim prognosis, Marley remained determined to fulfil his commitments, performing his last concert at the Stanley Theatre in Pittsburgh on September 23, 1980.

In the final months of his life, Bob Marley sought alternative treatments, albeit unsuccessful, in Germany under the care of Dr. Josef Issels, who specialized in holistic therapies. However, these treatments were ultimately unsuccessful, and Marley’s condition worsened. In May 1981, realizing that his time was running out, he attempted to return to Jamaica to spend his final days. Sadly, he never made it home. During the flight, his vital functions deteriorated, forcing an emergency landing in Miami, Florida. He was admitted to Cedars of Lebanon Hospital, although some reports say it was actually at the Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he passed away on May 11, 1981.

Marley’s death was a monumental loss not only for our Jamaican people but for the entire world. He was given a state funeral in Jamaica on May 21, 1981, attended by both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, a testament to his unifying influence. His body was laid to rest in a chapel near his birthplace in Nine Mile, along with his guitar, a symbol of his musical legacy.

Bob Marley's death highlighted the dangers of acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), a common form of skin cancer found in people of colour, including African, Asian, and Hispanic descent. ALM's stealthy nature often leads to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment, which can be fatal due to its aggressive nature. The five-year survival rate for Black people with melanoma is 71%, significantly lower than white people's 93%. This highlights the need for raising awareness about skin cancer risk in people of colour and promoting regular skin checks.

Bob Marley’s Enduring Legacy

Bob Marley's legacy continues to resonate globally, with his music delivering powerful messages of peace, love, and social justice. His timeless anthems, like "One Love," continue to inspire new generations. Marley was a cultural ambassador for Jamaica and a global icon for the Rastafarian movement. His estate generates millions annually, and his legacy continues to resonate. His children, Ziggy, Stephen, and Damian Marley, have become successful musicians and have been involved in philanthropic efforts, further cementing his legacy as a force for good.

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References & Sources For Bob Marleys Cause Of Death

  1. Bob Marley Should Not Have Died from Melanoma. (2024, July 2). The Skin Cancer Foundation. https://www.skincancer.org/blog/bob-marley-should-not-have-died-from-melanoma/
  2. Tragic Death of Bob Marley from Toe-Nail Melanoma | Dr. Michael Steppie. (n.d.). https://www.dermorlando.com/blog/tragic-death-of-bob-marley-from-toe-nail-melanoma#:~:text=Prior%20to%20his%20diagnosis%20of%20skin%20cancer. . .&text=Unfortunately%2C%20a%20dark%20lesion%20under,acral%20lentiginous%20melanoma%20(ALM)
  3. Kathleen. (2024, March 6). Five Things You May Not Know About Bob Marley and Acral Lentiginous Melanoma - AIM at Melanoma Foundation. AIM at Melanoma Foundation. https://www.aimatmelanoma.org/five-things-you-may-not-know-about-bob-marley-and-acral-lentiginous-melanoma/

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