Just a day after Kelly Clarkson announced the cancellation of her remaining Las Vegas shows in August due to a “family crisis,” a spokesperson announced the passing of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, who had been privately battling melanoma for over three years. He was 48.
Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer and is considered the most dangerous type because of its high propensity to spread (metastasize) to other organs if not detected and treated early.
So, what is melanoma, and how did it lead to Blackstock’s passing? Read on to learn more.
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a serious and potentially deadly form of skin cancer that originates from melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, which gives skin its color.
In an interview with The Post, Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, CEO of the Dermatology Circle, described melanoma as fundamentally different from other skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma, which grows only on the skin and does not spread.
Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, a dermatologist, explained that melanoma cells behave differently from other skin cancer cells because they have the ability to quickly spread to other organs and tissues via the bloodstream and lymphatic system.
However, Kazlouskaya added that the risk of spreading depends on several factors, including the size and stage of the tumor, the patient’s age, and other possible conditions, such as a suppressed immune system.
What are the Causes, Early Warning Signs, and is Melanoma Curable?
Melanoma can affect anyone, but people with lighter skin have the highest chance of developing the disease due to having less melanin, the pigment that protects against UV damage.
People who spend a lot of time outdoors are at higher risk because of increased sun exposure. In fact, most skin cancers are caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
To lower the risk, it’s important to limit UV exposure. Also, avoid using indoor tanning beds, as they emit harmful UV radiation that can increase the risk of melanoma by up to 75%.
To spot early warning signs, Mudgil explained that melanomas can appear as a “new mole, a changing mole, or a spot with an irregular shape, border or color, often with shades of brown, black, or even pink, red or white.”
“Things to look for are the ‘ABCDE’s’ of melanoma — asymmetry, border irregularity, color variability, diameter greater than 6 mm (which is the size of a pencil eraser), and last, evolution of an existing mole to exhibit any of the aforementioned qualities,” he said.
Fortunately, melanoma is curable. Early detection is the best way to treat it, as it can easily be cured with just a “simple excision.”
However, when the cancer already spreads, the odds will be low.
How Did Brandon Blackstock Die?
In a post on Instagram, Blackstock’s management company, Starstruck, announced its founder’s passing after a brave battle with cancer.
“He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family,” the announcement read. “We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”
A source told Page Six that Clarkson’s ex-husband and talent manager had recently been hospitalized. TMZ also reported that he had privately battled melanoma and died Thursday morning, July 7.
Clarkson and Blackstock, who share two children, tied the knot in 2013 but parted ways in 2020. Their divorce was finalized in 2022.
Despite their separation, The Kelly Clarkson Show host reportedly helped care for the father of her children.
In fact, this was the reason she suddenly took time off from her talk show in February and March.
“It’s been exhausting and so sad,” the insider added. “Kelly has been working so hard, as well as looking after Brandon. Despite their difficult divorce, he’s still the man she loved and still her kids’ father.”
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