Renowned for her timeless beauty and illustrious career in modelling, Christie Brinkley has long been admired as an icon of grace and elegance. However, in a candid revelation shared on Instagram, the 70-year-old model stunned fans by disclosing her recent diagnosis of skin cancer. Brinkley's openness about her health journey underscores the importance of skin health awareness and proactive measures in combating the disease.
Christie Brinkley's Skin Cancer Revelation
Supermodel Christie Brinkley stunned her Instagram followers on Wednesday with a candid announcement revealing her diagnosis of skin cancer. At 70 years old, the iconic model shared that she recently underwent a procedure to remove basal cell carcinoma from the side of her face, shedding light on the importance of regular skin screenings and sun protection practices. In her caption, she wrote, “The good news for me is we caught the basal cell Carcinoma early. And I had great Doctors that removed the cancer and stitched me up to perfection like a haute couture Dior…"
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How Christie Brinkley Discovered Her Skin Cancer
Christie Brinkley disclosed that her visit to the doctor wasn't for her own concerns but to accompany her daughter during her appointment. However, during the visit, her doctor noticed a concerning spot on Brinkley's face, leading to her diagnosis of skin cancer. She revealed, “The Doctor was looking at each freckle with a magnifying glass… it wasn’t my appointment so I wasn’t going to say anything but at the VERY end I asked if he could just look at a little tiny dot I could feel as I applied my foundation.”
Brinkley continued, “He took a look and knew immediately it needed a biopsy! He did it then and there! So make your own good luck by making that check-up appointment today. And slather up my friends!"
Understanding Basal Cell Carcinoma
As per Dr Harshit Shah, Associate Consultant-Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that originates in the basal cells of the skin. It typically appears as a slightly transparent bump on the skin, often on areas exposed to the sun, such as the head and neck. While UV radiation from sunlight is a significant risk factor for basal cell carcinoma, other factors such as chronic sun exposure, fair skin, and genetic predisposition can also increase the risk.
Symptoms and Causes of Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma usually presents as a change in the skin, such as a growth or a sore that won't heal. These changes may include shiny, skin-coloured bumps, brown or black lesions with translucent borders, flat, scaly patches, or white, waxy scar-like lesions. UV radiation from sunlight is a primary cause of basal cell carcinoma, along with factors such as chronic sun exposure, fair skin, increasing age, and genetic syndromes.
Prevention and Risk Factors
Preventive measures for basal cell carcinoma include avoiding the sun during peak hours, wearing sunscreen year-round, protective clothing, and regular skin examinations to monitor for any changes. Risk factors for basal cell carcinoma include chronic sun exposure, fair skin, increasing age, a personal or family history of skin cancer, immune-suppressing drugs, exposure to arsenic, and certain inherited syndromes.
Bottomline
Christie Brinkley's revelation of her skin cancer diagnosis serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of skin health awareness and regular screenings. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and preventive measures of basal cell carcinoma, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their skin and reduce their risk of developing skin cancer.