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Peter Overton Reveals His Terrifying Melanoma Battle and Sun Safety Regret

BBG News

After initially remaining quiet following his melanoma diagnosis in 2020, Peter Overton has finally spoken up about the unexpected health challenge he faced.

The seasoned news broadcaster, aged 58, disclosed that following numerous surgeries to excise cancerous spots, he regretted not having taken greater precautions against the sun when he was younger.

Overton stated in the latest issue of New Idea that he has undergone five surgeries to remove melanomas, with the one from his forehead being particularly challenging, while the others were located on his back and legs.

Beyond the numerous mole removals, it felt like a symbol of pride as a child to sunburn severely and then shed layers of skin.

He mentioned that his greatest regret was not taking sufficient precautions against the sun when he was young, which is now causing him health issues due to past negligence.

My recollections are vivid, and the consequences are all too real. If only I had taken my parents’ advice, both medical professionals, to use sunscreen. Back then, my understanding was confined to sunburn. It never crossed my mind that melanoma was even a topic of discussion.

Currently, Overton serves as an ambassador for the Melanoma Institute Australia, where he focuses on spreading awareness among young Australians regarding the significance of sun protection.

Recently, I came across a young man with fair skin who was sunbathing intensely. I was wearing shorts, and spontaneously, I pointed out a train-track-shaped scar from melanoma on my own leg to him.

I clearly explained that his scar came from sunbathing without sunscreen. I didn’t mince words about it; I was straightforward in my discussion and even demonstrated it visually. I sincerely hope he took my advice. It’s crucial we discourage the glamorization of tanning instead.

Melanoma develops as a result of malignant transformation within the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, causing them to become cancerous.

Compared to Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), this type is less frequent but poses a greater risk due to its quicker spread to other body parts, especially when treatment isn’t initiated early.

Besides the melanoma, Overton experienced another health issue last year, and Jessica Rowe has just provided an emotional update about this new challenge.

The television star’s news anchor colleague had to temporarily step away from work for a surgical procedure on his voice box, as medical professionals found a growth called a polyp.

Rowe, 54, told Stellar Magazine that the recovery process was difficult. 

She mentioned that Petey, similarly to myself, enjoys conversing. He has a skilled voice coach ensuring he utilizes his voice correctly and avoids excessive strain on it, she explained.

Jess went on, “When you misplace something deeply tied to your identity and work… dear me!

However, he’s resumed his job and can converse freely now. He no longer needs to communicate with me only through forceful hand-clapping.

Earlier, Overton expressed fear due to the experience as the operation made him silent for an entire week afterward.

News of Overton’s shock health scare was broken by his wife Jessica. 

Rowe posted an image on Instagram showing Peter embracing their beloved pet canine, accompanied by some concerning comments.

She noted that Peter isn’t active on Instagram and shared some recent news about him. Currently, he’s taking some time off from work.

Following the detection of a polyp by an ENT specialist on one of his vocal cords, it becomes clear why he had such a hoarse voice during the holiday season.

She mentioned that since Peter had undergone surgery and needed to limit talking during the healing phase, it would prevent him from going back to work right away.

She mentioned that he underwent a surgical procedure. A significant part of his healing process involves abstaining from speaking at the moment (which is quite difficult for him!). It’s hoped he will return to Nine News as soon as possible.

Overton described the polyp as ‘like a big blister hanging off’ his vocal cords.

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2025-03-11 02:19

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