Norah O’Donnell, the prominent CBS Evening News anchor and co-host of CBS This Morning, recently shared an intimate and powerful account of her battle with melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer.

Her story, revealed during her final broadcast on CBS This Morning and in several interviews, highlights the importance of early detection, preventive care, and the emotional toll a cancer diagnosis can take—even on someone as accomplished and seemingly invincible as O’Donnell.

Her experience serves as a compelling reminder for all of us to prioritize our health and vigilance against skin cancer.

The Unexpected Diagnosis

In the fall of 2016, during what she thought was a routine pre-Thanksgiving dermatological checkup, Norah O’Donnell was shocked to learn she had melanoma in situ—a very early stage of melanoma where the cancer cells are confined to the outer layer of skin.

Despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle and being mindful of her health, she was stunned by the diagnosis.

“I was really surprised when she said it came back as melanoma,” O’Donnell recalled.

“What I knew about melanoma at the time was just how deadly it was.”

The diagnosis came after her dermatologist, Dr.

Elizabeth Hale, identified two suspicious spots on O’Donnell’s upper left back that warranted biopsies.

Shortly after Thanksgiving, while holiday shopping with her family in Washington DC, O’Donnell received an urgent email from her doctor requesting an immediate consultation.

The results confirmed melanoma, prompting swift action.

The good news, as her doctor assured her, was that the cancer was caught early and was 100% curable.

However, the treatment required a significant surgical procedure involving a deep incision and multiple layers of stitches to ensure all cancerous tissue was removed.

“It was a pretty big cut,” O’Donnell said, “but the margins were clear.”

The Emotional and Physical Impact

The diagnosis was a wake-up call not only for O’Donnell but also for her family.

She described the mental and emotional impact as profound.

“It was really scary,” she admitted.

“My husband was very concerned.

My kids were really worried.

” Her then young son even asked if she could die from the surgery, to which she reassured him with a firm no.

One of the hardest challenges following the surgery was the six-week recovery period during which she was unable to exercise.

As a former athlete and someone who relies heavily on physical activity for mental well-being, this was a difficult adjustment.

“Not being able to work out for six weeks was one of the hardest things,” she said.

“I really was down in the dumps over the diagnosis, and then not being able to exercise had a big effect on my mood.”

O’Donnell’s experience underscores the often overlooked psychological challenges that come with cancer diagnoses and treatment.

It also highlights how interconnected physical and mental health are, especially during recovery.

The Risk Factors and Preventive Measures

Through her research and discussions with medical professionals, O’Donnell learned that her melanoma was likely caused by overexposure to UVA rays and tanning salons during her youth.

Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, she was active in sports and cheerleading and frequented tanning salons, which were common before the advent of spray tans and widespread awareness of tanning risks.

“I used to go to tanning salons when I was 20 years old,” she said.

“Now I wear SPF 50 or 70, and I use spray tans or self-tanners, but that wasn’t around back then.”

Her story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of tanning beds, which have been shown to increase the risk of melanoma by up to 75%.

The World Health Organization classifies tanning beds as carcinogens, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that tanning bed use contributes to thousands of melanoma cases annually in the United States.

O’Donnell now advocates passionately for regular skin checks and broader awareness about skin cancer prevention.

“Getting skin checks isn’t at the top of everybody’s list, and we delay our preventive care,” she said.

“Melanoma is on the rise, and preventive care is so important in catching this stuff early.”

The Science Behind Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, originating from melanocytes—the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that colors our skin.

While melanoma accounts for only about 1% of all skin cancers, it causes the majority of skin cancer-related deaths due to its aggressive nature and ability to spread rapidly to other organs.

Typically, melanoma appears as black or brown spots, but it can also be pink, red, purple, or even skin-colored.

Approximately 30% of melanomas develop from existing moles, but the majority arise from normal skin, making vigilance and regular skin examinations critical.

The risk of melanoma is higher in people with fair skin, a history of sunburns, significant ultraviolet (UV) exposure, and tanning bed use—all factors that applied to O’Donnell.

Men are more likely to develop melanoma on their trunks, especially the upper back, while women tend to develop it more often on their legs.

Early detection is crucial because melanoma has a 99% cure rate if caught in its earliest stages.

The depth of tumor growth, known as Breslow thickness, is the most important prognostic factor influencing treatment success and survival.

O’Donnell’s diagnosis of melanoma in situ meant the cancer was confined to the epidermis and had not yet invaded deeper layers, which was why her prognosis was excellent.

Advocacy and Raising Awareness

Since her diagnosis and surgery, Norah O’Donnell has become a vocal advocate for skin cancer awareness.

She frequently shares her story on her platforms and in interviews, emphasizing the importance of regular dermatological checkups and sun protection.

In 2017, she discussed her melanoma diagnosis live on CBS This Morning, encouraging viewers not to delay skin examinations.

Her openness has inspired many people to schedule screenings, some of whom discovered skin cancers early thanks to her advocacy.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, O’Donnell expressed concern that people were neglecting preventive healthcare visits out of fear of exposure to the virus.

She reassured the public that medical facilities remain safe due to strict infection control measures and urged everyone to maintain routine health screenings.

Her personal journey has also influenced her reporting style, making her more empathetic and passionate about health stories.

She described the scar on her back as a constant reminder of the importance of vigilance and early detection.

Her children, who helped care for her during recovery, now understand the seriousness of sun protection and sunscreen use.

Continuing a Legacy of Excellence

Norah O’Donnell’s career in journalism spans decades, marked by numerous prestigious roles and accolades.

She has served as chief White House correspondent, co-anchor of CBS This Morning, and anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News.

Her fearless reporting during critical moments such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 election cycle earned her widespread respect.

Despite the demands of her career and family life—she is a mother of three—O’Donnell remains committed to raising awareness about melanoma and preventive health care.

She hopes her story will encourage others to take their health seriously, not just when sick but proactively.

In May 2024, she conducted a high-profile interview with Pope Francis for 60 Minutes, demonstrating her continued prominence in journalism.

She announced her departure from CBS Evening News following the 2024 presidential election and will transition to a senior correspondent role, continuing to influence public discourse.

Norah O’Donnell’s encounter with melanoma is a powerful testament to the importance of early detection, preventive care, and the courage to share personal health battles publicly.

Her story sheds light on the deadly risks of melanoma, especially linked to UV exposure and tanning beds, and underscores the critical role of routine skin checks.

Her journey from diagnosis through surgery, recovery, and advocacy serves as an inspiration to millions.

It reminds us all that vigilance and timely action can save lives.

By sharing her experience, O’Donnell has not only raised awareness but also helped destigmatize cancer diagnoses and empowered others to prioritize their health.

As melanoma rates continue to rise, her message is clear: don’t delay your skin checks.

Protect your skin with sunscreen, avoid tanning beds, and consult your dermatologist regularly.

https://youtu.be/x0HZwkq4RCs

Early detection can make all the difference.

Norah O’Donnell’s story is one of resilience, hope, and dedication—both to her family and to public health.

It is a beacon for anyone facing health challenges and a call to action for all of us to take better care of ourselves.