Why Did  

Bob Marley  

Refuse Treatment for Cancer? 

About Bob Marley 

From poverty, he became the reggae icon of Jamaican origin who became an international music sensation and cultural icon. 

His Career 

Marley's journey from The Wailers to solo stardom had implications for his worldwide fame with messages of love and social justice 

Diagnosed with Cancer

In 1977, Marley was diagnosed with acral lentiginous melanoma, a very rare and aggressive form of skin cancer 

Refused Treatment 

Marley's Rastafarian beliefs, distrust of Western medicine and concerns about his public image that led him to decline conventional cancer treatment 

Philosophy 

Rastafarianism shaped Marley's world view, focusing on natural living and spirituality in resistance to "Babylon" systems. 

Lifestyle 

Regarding health and healing, Marley was an advocate for an ital diet, active lifestyle, and smoking marijuana as a spiritual practice. 

Consequences 

Marley's cancer spread, leading to his untimely death at 36 and leaving fans to wonder what might have been with earlier treatment. 

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Bob Marley died of melanoma skin cancer, on May 11, 1981, at the age of 36. The cancer started in his toe and eventually spread to his brain, lungs, and liver.