After Skin Cancer Treatment, “The Voice of Wrestling” Jim Ross, 72, Says He’s Trying To Quit Smoking

Health Scare Prompts Healthier Lifestyle

• Wrestling broadcaster Jim Ross, 72, was rushed to the hospital after experiencing shortness of breath. The “voice of wrestling” was diagnosed with skin cancer and has undergone treatment, including radiation and surgery, periodically since 2016.
• Ross, a cigarette smoker, said after his latest health scare, he intends to quit for good. Smoking is a well-known risk factor for certain cancers, including lung, bladder, liver, and oral, among other cancer types.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says cigarette smoking is linked to about 80 to 90 percent of lung cancer deaths, and people who smoke cigarettes are 15 to 30 times more likely to get lung cancer or die from lung cancer than people who don’t smoke. Additionally, second-hand smoke can cause lung cancer.
• The main types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. In melanoma skin cancer cases, it is more likely to impact nearby tissue and spread or metastasize to other parts of the body.
• The most important thing to look out for when finding skin cancer, including melanoma, is a new spot on your skin or a spot changing in size, shape, or color.

Legendary wrestling announcer Jim Ross, 72, once considered the voice of wrestling, remains on the sidelines as he inches closer to retirement. Lately, he’s been coping with an ongoing skin cancer battle, and Ross’ latest setback landed him in the hospital. Amidst his health struggles, Ross finds solace in the unwavering support of his daughters , who stand by his side, providing him with the strength he needs. The last 24 hours have been a whirlwind for the wrestling Hall of Fame announcer. Amid his latest health scare, he said he’s more motivated than ever to quit smoking.

Ross has been dubbed the “voice of wrestling” for over 50 years. His legendary calls were the voice track to professional wrestling’s most significant moments, primarily in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). More recently, the 72-year-old announcer has juggled personal health issues with occasional announcing duties for All Elite Wrestling (AEW). In an X social media post, Ross posted, “Unexpected trip to ER in Norman (Oklahoma) this morning. Shortness of the breath. That’s all for now.” Ross later posted a photo of him lying in bed with his daughters smiling next to him. Amid the comments from concerned fans of Ross, X user Fred Cook commented , “Get well, but please stop smoking cigarettes.” Another X user, Shane Walton, asked , “How do you know he smokes?” Ross has a popular wrestling-themed podcast that recounts old stories from his decades in the wrestling industry. In it, listeners are made aware of his notable smoking habit. Following the online conversation, Ross chimed in and admitted he smokes and intends to quit. “I do [smoke], and I’m quitting,” Ross’ X account replied . Smoking is a well-known risk factor for certain cancers, including lung, bladder, liver, and oral, among other cancer types.

Smoking and Cancer Risk

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for men and women in the United States. Nonsmokers still get lung cancer, but cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for the disease. Tobacco smoke contains a mixture of more than 7,000 different chemicals, at least 70 of which are known to cause cancer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says . The CDC says cigarette smoking is linked to about 80 to 90 percent of lung cancer deaths, and people who smoke cigarettes are 15 to 30 times more likely to get lung cancer or die from lung cancer than people who don’t smoke. Additionally, second-hand smoke can cause lung cancer. Smoking is, of course, the primary cause of lung cancer, but nonsmokers can and do develop this disease. Researchers have made progress in understanding the differences between lung cancer in smokers versus nonsmokers, says Dr. Ronald Natale, a medical oncologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and they’re developing targeted treatments that will be able to address the genetic drivers of lung cancer in nonsmokers. “Among patients who are nonsmokers, or former very light smokers, we identify a mutation that we can target with pills in about 60% to 70% of them. That leaves 30% or so, 40%, in whom we either have a target for which we do not have successful treatment,” Dr. Ronald Natale , a medical oncologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, tells SurvivorNet. “Among patients who are smokers, who have more complex cancers that have hundreds, sometimes thousands of mutations, don’t have a driver mutation that we can give a pill for, which is only a tiny percentage of lifelong smokers. Chemotherapy is the primary treatment in most patients,” Dr. Natale explains further. WATCH: Does smoking marijuana pose health risks? New research published in Cancer Journal for Clinicians suggests that although the number of cancer cases is expected to rise, by eliminating tobacco use, millions could significantly reduce their cancer risks. According to researchers, the number of annual cancer diagnoses will jump from roughly 20 million today to 35 million by 2050. The figure puts added pressure on cancer awareness advocates and healthcare practitioners because some of these cancer cases are preventable, according to experts. “[Eliminating] tobacco use alone could prevent 1 in 4 cancer deaths or approximately 2.6 million cancer deaths annually,” said Dr. Ahmedin Jemal , senior vice president of surveillance & health equity science at the American Cancer Society and senior author of the study. Tobacco, more specifically smoking cigarettes, is a significant risk factor for lung cancer, which is “the most commonly diagnosed cancer and leading cause of cancer death overall and in men worldwide,” the American Cancer Society says.

Jim Ross’ Cancer Journey

Ross revealed in October 2021 that he was diagnosed with skin cancer, marking the second time he’s dealt with the disease. He stepped away from the announce table to receive treatment for the cancer. In a social media post at the time, he was upbeat about beating the disease. “Skin cancer confirmed. Waiting on radiologist study to determine the best treatment. Likely radiation. Feeling great and ready to attack,” Ross said in the X post that shows a photo of his bandaged lower leg. On Ross’ podcast , “Grilling JR,” he said the type of skin cancer he was diagnosed with “isn’t the worst kind,” and he would not need chemotherapy. Ross didn’t reveal the exact type of skin cancer he was diagnosed with. A month later, in November 2021, Ross updated concerned fans on his treatment. He shared a photo of his lower leg, still bandaged, with minor discoloring on his skin. “Skin cancer doesn’t stand a chance,” Ross commente d. Ross underwent more than 20 rounds of radiation treatments. He said his doctors found two more spots possibly linked to his cancer. He added on his podcast that those spots would need to be cut out. More than a year later, in August 2023, Ross said in an X social media post his MRIs at the time came back negative. In early February of this year, Ross said he had cancer surgery on his right hip, and “All went well.” Ross said after his experience with skin cancer, he hopes all of his podcast listeners undergo regular checks with their dermatologist for anything unusual.

Coping With Skin Cancer and How to Protect Yourself

The main types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. In melanoma skin cancer cases, it is more likely to impact nearby tissue and spread or metastasize to other parts of the body. Melanoma also causes the most skin cancer deaths, according to the National Cancer Institute. It starts in the same cells that give your skin, hair, and eyes their color. In melanoma, the cells change in a way that allows them to spread to other organs. WATCH: Am I at risk for melanoma? Changes to a mole you’ve had for a while or a new growth on your skin could be signs of melanoma, according to SurvivorNet’s experts. You’ll want to watch them and tell your doctor about any changes you notice. You’re most likely to find melanoma on sun-exposed skin areas like your face, neck, arms, and legs. Surprisingly, you might also find them in other places as well, like:

• The palms of your hands or soles of your feet
• On your eyes or mouth
• Under your nails

SurvivorNet skin cancer experts recommend avoiding unprotected sun exposure because ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to melanoma. Tanning beds pose ultraviolet radiation risks for skin cancer and should be avoided. Many dermatologists recommend using spray tans to reduce the risk of melanoma skin cancer. SurvivorNet's medical experts say the most important thing to look for when finding melanoma is a new spot on your skin or a spot changing in size, shape, or color. WATCH: Choosing the right sunscreen to protect yourself from skin cancer. When you check your skin, use the acronym ABCDE as your guide:

• Asymmetrical moles: If you drew a line straight down the center of the mole, would the sides match?
• Borders: Is the mole irregular or jagged?
• Colors: Are there multiple distinct colors in the mole?
• Diameter: Is the mole larger than 6 millimeters (mm), about the size of a pencil head eraser?
• Evolution: Has the mole’s color, shape, or size changed over time?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, our experts say it’s time to see your dermatologist for a skin check. Wearing sunscreen helps protect your skin from harmful sun rays that can cause skin cancer. Apply a generous amount of broad-spectrum sunscreen every two hours and wear sun-protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses, when possible. “When it comes to melanoma, if you use sunscreen, there is this great study that came out of Australia that if patients used sunscreen consistently over a period of 10 years, they were actually able to reduce their risk for melanoma by 50%,” dermatologist Dr. Cecilia Larocca tells SurvivorNet.

Strategies to Help Smokers Curb Their Tobacco Habit

• Nicotine replacement therapy. Long-acting therapies like nicotine patches can be paired with short-acting therapies (including nicotine gum, lozenges, nasal spray, and inhalers) to cope with intense cravings.
• Steer clear of triggers. Cravings can be provoked by situations in which you are used to having tobacco.
• Wait. If you feel yourself on the brink of giving in to a tobacco craving, delay smoking for 10 minutes and do something else to distract yourself. Move to a no-smoking area to make it less convenient for you to smoke.
• Chew something. Whether it’s gum, candy, or vegetables, chew something that will occupy your mouth as you resist your cravings.
• Don’t give in to the “just one more” mentality. Smoking once can easily lead to smoking again.
• Exercise more. Boosting your physical activity can distract you from tobacco cravings and make them less intense. Exercise can mean many different things, but even short periods of physical activity can help.
• Try relaxation techniques. Techniques like deep breathing, yoga, visualization, muscle relaxation, and massage can help you relax and relieve stress.
• Reach out for support. You are establishing robust support systems. Calling a friend or family member to talk on the phone or go for a walk can help remind you that you’re not alone.
• Remind yourself why you want to quit. Whether your goal is to feel better, get healthier, save money, or prepare for cancer treatment, it can help to write down or speak aloud the reason you decided to quit in the first place.