Richard Simmons reveals skin cancer diagnosis after post about death [Video]

Days after scaring fans by saying he was “dying” — then later apologizing for the “confusion” his misleading post caused — Richard Simmons has revealed he was treated for skin cancer years ago. 

The eccentric fitness personality opened up about his diagnosis in a series of posts on Facebook, later writing his intent in doing so was to encourage viewers to get any spots on their bodies checked out by a doctor.

That advice is what led the 75-year-old to learn he had basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of cancer, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.

The slow-growing skin cancer can occasionally be mistaken for a pimple or scar, but if a doctor determines the spot contains cancerous basal cells, it can often be easily treated and cured, the AADA says. This is the process Simmons went through, according to his posts. 

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