The American Cancer Society joins the nation in mourning the loss of former President Jimmy Carter. President Carter passed away [Sunday, December 29,] after receiving home hospice care since February 2023.

In 2015 President Carter was diagnosed with cancer. He underwent elective surgery in August 2015 to remove a small mass in his liver. The surgery revealed melanoma, spreading to four different parts of his brain. He was 90 years old at the time.

“A tremendous advocate for cancer education and prevention in the United States, President Carter helped accelerate progress against the more than 200 diseases we call cancer during his time in office,” said Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, interim CEO of the American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “Upon receiving his own cancer diagnosis, he benefitted from that progress, undergoing innovative treatment methods made possible by cancer research funded by both the federal government and the American Cancer Society, among others. Our thoughts are with the Carter family during this difficult time.”

President Carter’s successful treatment was credited to pembrolizumab [known by the brand name Keytruda], a drug that works to harness the body’s immune system to fight cancer.

During President Carter’s administration, he supported an extension of the mandate passed in the National Cancer Act to intensify and expand the national effort to fight cancer. He also signed legislation to emphasize education and demonstration programs in cancer treatment and prevention and directed the National Cancer Institute to devote more resources to prevention, focusing particularly on environmental, dietary and occupational cancer causes.

There is a history of cancer in Carter’s family. His mother died of breast cancer. His father, two sisters and brother all died of pancreatic cancer.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the Carter family and friends at the loss of this American treasure,” Frederick said.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops when melanocytes (the cells that give the skin its tan or brown color) start to grow out of control. Learn more about melanoma here.

This press release was originally published December 29, 2024, by the American Cancer Society. It is republished with permission.