“Below Deck Down Under” star Jason Chambers has been diagnosed with melanoma.
The 52-year-old reality star publicly revealed his health news in an Instagram video on Monday.
“Update on the biopsy I had. It came back with melanoma,” Chambers explained in the video. “I’m in Australia. That was done in Bali. The Australian doctors, which are fantastic in Australia, they weren’t happy with what the indications told them to go to the stage two which would be to cut out a bigger section and test the glands.”
Chambers said he’s waiting for his test results from Bali, but they may not arrive until after Christmas.
“Look Australia, two out of three people suffer from melanoma. It’s a big thing,” he noted. “I never used to wear sunscreen when I was on the boat. I used to put zinc on my nose, the reason being the chemicals. But there’s so many products out there that are chemical-free now, which is great.”
“So, make sure you throw on some sunscreen, get some shade and cover yourself up and enjoy your day out in the sun,” Chambers added.
In his caption, the Bravo star reiterated the danger of not protecting yourself from the sun.
“For someone that spent their life in the sun, as a child playing sport to working on the ocean, I thought I was resistant to the damaging effects of the sun,” he wrote. “I love the sun and its health benefits are evident, but be wise and like everything in life, it’s all about balance, choose your battles.”
Chambers continued, “With a diagnosed melanoma biopsy, I now have an anxious wait and what I thought was a skin spot turned in just 6 months, early detection is the key.”
“So find a chemical free sunscreen product, get some shade with a hat and enjoy the sun with protection,” he concluded his post.
Chambers received support from fans after revealing his diagnosis.
“Praying for you @captainjchambers hope your results come back negative,” one fan wrote in the comments section.
“Take care of yourself! I’m glad you found it and it’s getting taken care of,” another fan said.
A third person wrote, “Oh dear Captain Jason I’m so sorry to hear of your melanoma diagnosis. You are definitely in my thoughts. Sending all positive vibes for a full recovery.”
“OMG this is what I don’t want to hear. You are so loved,” said a different fan.
Chambers joined the cast of the “Below Deck” spinoff series when it premiered in 2022. The show follows the lives of crew members who work and live on a 150-foot-plus superyacht during a six-week charter season in Australia.
