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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Actress and model Christie Brinkley has revealed she has been diagnosed and treated for skin cancer.
The 70-year-old shared the news in an Instagram post Wednesday, along with photos of herself during and after surgery.
“The good news for me is we caught the basal cell Carcinoma early,” Brinkley captioned her post. “And I had great Doctors that removed the cancer and stitched me up to perfection like an haute couture Dior.”
Basal cell carcinoma is one of the two most common types of skin cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Skin Cancer Foundation says an estimated 3.6 million cases are diagnosed each year in the United States.
In her Instagram post, Brinkley said she was “lucky” doctors identified the cancer when they did. The Sports Illustrated swimsuit model explained that she had asked a doctor to look at a mark near her eye during her daughter’s check-up.
“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,” she explained in the Instagram post. “He took a look and knew immediately it needed a biopsy! He did it then and there!”
Brinkley urged fans to get regular check-ups and use SPF protection against the sun.
“The good news for you is that all of this can be avoided by being diligent with your sun protection,” she wrote. “I got serious a bit late so now for this ole mermaid/gardener, I’ll be slathering on my SPF 30, reapplying as needed, wearing long sleeves and a wide brim hat.”
“Make your own good luck by making that check-up appointment today. And slather up my friends!” Brinkley said.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends self-examinations for skin cancer once per month, and scheduling a screening with a dermatologist at least once per year. Those at higher risk are advised to go more frequently.
“Remember that early detection of skin cancer is the key to the most minimal and cost-effective treatment with the highest chance of a cure,” the foundation writes.
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