Brandon Blackstock, talent manager and ex-husband of Kelly Clarkson, has died at 48 after a private three-year battle with melanoma. Often called the most dangerous form of skin cancer, melanoma is responsible for around 8,000 deaths each year in the U.S.
Unlike more common skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, which typically remain on the surface, melanoma is far more aggressive and more likely to spread throughout the body. Two experts spoke to The New York Post about the risks and warning signs — and what you can do to protect yourself.
“Melanoma is considered the most dangerous type of skin cancer because it has a high potential to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early,” said Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, a dermatologist per the New York Post.
Melanoma is especially dangerous because its cells can quickly travel through the bloodstream and lymphatic system, spreading to other organs and tissues much faster than other types of skin cancer, explained Dr. Mudgil.
Dr. Kazlouskaya added that the chances of melanoma spreading depend on several things, like how big the tumor is, what stage it’s at, the patient’s age, and whether they have other health issues, such as a weakened immune system.
Reality star Teddi Mellencamp from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills was diagnosed with melanoma in 2022. By February 2025, doctors found several tumors in her brain, which they believe had been growing for at least six months.
Per the Mayo Clinic, melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes — the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. It usually develops on sun-exposed areas like the face, arms, back, and legs, but can also appear in the eyes or, rarely, inside the body (like the nose or throat).
Most melanomas are linked to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning beds. Limiting UV exposure can help lower your risk. Cases are rising in people under 40, especially women.
Early detection is key, as melanoma is treatable if caught early. Watch for warning signs in moles using these tips:
- Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other
- Border: Irregular, notched, or scalloped edges
- Color: Multiple or unusual colors
- Diameter: Larger than 1/4 inch (6 mm)
- Changes: New itching, bleeding, or changes in appearance
According to the Mayo Clinic, you can lower your risk of melanoma and other skin cancers by following these simple steps:
- Skip tanning beds: They give off harmful UV light that raises your cancer risk.
- Avoid peak sun hours: Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when rays are strongest — even on cloudy days or in winter.
- Check your skin regularly: Look for new spots or changes in moles, freckles, or birthmarks. Use mirrors to check hard-to-see areas like your scalp, back, and between toes.
- Wear protective clothing: Choose long sleeves and pants made of dark, tightly woven fabric. Add a wide-brimmed hat and ask a dermatologist about UV-protective clothing brands.
- Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
- Use sunscreen year-round: Pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply it generously, and reapply every 2 hours — or more often if swimming or sweating.
Being sun-smart every day helps protect your skin and can save your life.
