‘Below Deck Down Under’ Star Jason Chambers Diagnosed With Skin Cancer

(L-R) Jason Chambers, Daisy Kelliher, and Kyle Cooke attend Us Weekly and Pluto TV's: Reality TV Stars of The Year in Los Angeles on Oct. 10, 2024. Vivien Killilea/Getty Images

Jason Chambers, the star of Bravo’s reality show “Below Deck Down Under,” has been diagnosed with melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

Chambers, 52, issued the health update in a video posted to his Instagram account on Monday, noting that he had undergone a biopsy in Bali and had since returned to his native Australia for further testing.

“The Australian doctors here ... they weren’t happy with what the indications told them to go to stage 2, which would be to cut out a bigger section and test the glands,” the charter ship captain said.

“I’m waiting for the specimen to come from Bali, so it’ll be here this week, but I may not get it until after Christmas.”

Melanoma develops in the body’s melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, a pigment that gives skin its color, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Melanomas typically manifest as moles or other unusual skin growths and tend to develop on areas of the body that are commonly exposed to the sun, such as the face, back, arms, and legs.

Melanomas can also develop in less visible locations, such as beneath the nails or within the eyes. Known as hidden melanomas, the growths can even arise internally, affecting the mucous membrane lining the nose, mouth, and esophagus, among other parts of the body.

The American Cancer Society reports that while melanoma accounts for only one percent of all skin cancers in the United States, it is still the deadliest type, responsible for the majority of the country’s skin cancer deaths.

The cancer research organization projected that over 100,000 new cases of melanoma would be diagnosed in 2024, with more than 59,000 of those cases occurring in men. The nonprofit estimated that approximately 8,200 people would succumb to the disease this year.

The prevalence of skin cancer is especially high in Australia, where about two-thirds of the population is expected to be diagnosed with some form of the disease over the course of their lifetime, per Cancer Council NSW.

“It’s a big thing,” warned Chambers, who hails from Gosford, Australia. “We’ve got a heat wave coming this summer so make sure you put a hat on.”

The television personality admitted to forgoing sunscreen while working, citing concerns about the potential toxicity of some of the products’ chemicals. “But there’s so many products out there that are chemical-free now, which is great,” he said.

In the video’s caption, the reality star reiterated his warning for his fans and followers to take precautionary measures against the sun’s rays.

“For someone [who] 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. 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 wrote.

“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.”

Chambers’ followers were quick to voice their support in the video’s comment section.

Captain Sandy Yawn, star of Bravo’s “Below Deck Mediterranean,” offered a brief word of encouragement, writing: “Praying for good results.”

Actress and broadcaster Louise George expressed a similar sentiment. “Thinking of you and sending love and healing prayers,” she wrote.

Indian actress Anjali Anand wrote “Praying for the best outcome. Sending love.”

The Instagram account for MER, an online scuba diving community, conveyed appreciation to Chambers for advocating sun protection.

“Thank you so much for talking about this,” the comment reads. “As ocean people it’s true. No one talks about how important it is.”