Radio broadcaster Darren Scott has died after a lengthy battle with stage four cancer.

Darren pᴀssed away aged 61 after a lengthy battle with stage 4 malignant melanoma, South African radio station H๏τ 102.7FM confirmed in a statement on Tuesday.

Malignant melanoma, also known as metastatic melanoma, is when skin cancer spreads beyond the primary site to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes and internal organs.

Darren is survived by his two sons Mark and Matthew, while his loved ones and colleagues have also flocked to pay tribute to the ‘dedicated’ and beloved radio star. 

His former partner Sarah-Kate Accetta told East Coast Radio that she and their two sons have to learn to face life without him.

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South African radio broadcaster Darren Scott has died after a lengthy battle with stage four cancer

‘As we make our way back home now, to not only commemorate his life, but to learn how to face life without him, I ask from the bottom of my heart: please pray for the boys,’ she said.

‘Their world has changed forever, and we need every bit of strength we can hold onto. I will cherish the opportunity to fill their days with laughter and love, with the many, many wild, wonderful, and unforgettable stories about their dad.’

Meanwhile, H๏τ 102.7FM Breakfast presenter Simon Parkinson said: ‘Darren was the most dedicated radio person I’ve ever known.’

‘At one stage he was doing two live shows a day — breakfast in one province and drive in another. Who does six hours of live radio every day? Darren Scott.’ 

‘When we started the original H๏τ brand, Darren was the first person I called. And he said, ”I’m in. Let’s go”,’ the station’s founder Lloyd Madurai recalled. ‘And I saw the happiness in Darren again.’

His friend and colleague Ian F added: ‘There was never a moment together without a funny chirp or a laugh.’

His close friend of 15 years Will Scott praised Darren for inspiring him to pursue a career in radio himself.

‘Darren was my best friend for 15 years before we ever worked together professionally,’ he said. 

‘He played a huge role in me pursuing a career in radio. When his son Mark was born, Darren walked around with a smile for two years. 

‘And even when things got tough, he kept fighting for his family. He was the most talented broadcaster I’ve ever worked with.’ 

Darren marked 40 years in radio last year and was inducted into South Africa’s Radio Awards Hall of Fame in an unforgettable achievement.

He has worked for South African radio stations including Radio Bop, 5FM, Jacaranda FM and East Coast Radio.

Melanoma: The most dangerous form of skin cancer

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It occurs after the DNA in skin cells is damaged (typically due to harmful UV rays) and then not repaired so it triggers mutations that can form malignant tumours.  

Causes

Sun exposure: UV and UVB rays from the sun and tanning beds are harmful to the skinMoles: The more moles you have, the greater the risk for getting melanoma Skin type: Fairer skin has a higher risk for getting melanomaHair colour: Red heads are more at risk than othersPersonal history: If you’ve had melanoma once, then you are more likely to get it againFamily history: If previous relatives have been diagnosed, then that increases your risk

Treatment 

Removal of the melanoma:

This can be done by removing the entire section of the tumor or by the surgeon removing the skin layer by layer. When a surgeon removes it layer by layer, this helps them figure out exactly where the cancer stops so they don’t have to remove more skin than is necessary. 

Skin grafting: 

The patient can decide to use a skin graft if the surgery has left behind discoloration or an indent. 

Immunotherapy, radiation treatment or chemotherapy: 

This is needed if the cancer reaches stage III or IV. That means that the cancerous cells have spread to the lymph nodes or other organs in the body. 

Prevention

Use sunscreen and do not burnAvoid tanning outside and in beds Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outsideKeep newborns out of the sunExamine your skin every monthSee your physician every year for a skin exam 

 Source: Skin Cancer Foundation and American Cancer Society