CBS anchor Dan Rather said Monday that he had undergone surgery to remove cancerous skin cells from his face, and he urged his viewers to get examined for the disease.
Rather, 72, had been off the air for a few days, and CBS had announced that he had some basal skin cells removed from his face as a precautionary measure.
Rather said the skin cells were cancerous, and he expects a full recovery. Basal skin cancer is the most common form of skin cancer, often developing because of prolonged exposure to the sun.
During an appearance via closed circuit television on Saturday before television critics, Rather wore a large bandage over his nose.
“It remains a humbling learning experience,” Rather said on the “CBS Evening News” Monday. “So I thank you for your understanding and concern and urge you to get a skin cancer examination.”