COMMENTATING icon and former Test captain Richie Benaud has revealed he is battling skin cancers and is undergoing radiation therapy.

Benaud, 84, is receiving treatment for cancers on his forehead and the top of his head.

Speaking at the Channel Nine season launch at the SCG, Benaud was looking frail but still had his renowned sense of humour.

“(I’m) coping with it very well, the doctors are pleased,” he said.

“I’m going along slowly. The cancers need to be treated.

media_camera Richie Benaud and other members of the Channel Nine Cricket at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Picture: Richard Dobson

“When I was a kid we never ever wore a cap. I wish I had and I’d recommend to everyone to do that now.

“You live and learn as you go along.

“Not the flash ones because Keith Miller didn’t wear a cap. We followed various people and Miller never wore anything on his head so I didn’t

Benaud, who was making his first public appearance in more than a year, took the opportunity to warn people of the effects of the sun.

“I recommend to everyone they wear protection on their heads,” he said.

media_camera Mark Nicholas, Richie Benaud, Shane Warne and Ian Healy at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Picture: Richard Dobson

“All sorts of creams and things like that for young people and even those who aren’t so young.

“I’ll give you one good reason for that — 84-year-olds don’t seem to mend as well as they used to.”

Benaud, who was recently inducted into the SCG media Hall of Honour, said he and his wife Daphne have been walking 40 minutes a day to aid his health.

In October 2013, Benaud was involved in a car accident near his home in Coogee.

His car hit a nature strip and then a fence with the commentator hospitalised with injuries including two fractured vertebrae.

“Medical people do wonderful things these days,” Benaud said.

media_camera Richie Benaud has revealed he is battling skin cancer. Picture: Richard Dobson

Former Australia captain Ian Chappell said he was delighted to catch up with Benaud.

“(It’s) So good to see him and good to hear he’s heading in the right direction,” Chappell said.

The cricket legend is hopeful he will work closely with Benaud over the summer.

“I’ve got no idea (about the role Benaud will play). There’s only one criteria as far as I’m concerned and that’s what’s best for Richie’s health and we’re going to hear Richie — he’s done that voice over for the promo so we’re going to be hearing him.

“But as long as he’s around to ring him up and pick his brain occasionally that’s good enough for me.

“He’s been a tremendous help to me with cricket, captaincy, with work and that’s Richie. He’s a nice guy.”

media_camera Richie Benaud is undergoing treatment for skin cancer Picture: Richard Dobson

Originally published as Richie Benaud battling skin cancer