Skin cancer is a growing concern, the world over. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is also working to raise awareness about the issue.
Keep reading to know more about his story.
One in five people in America will develop skin cancer before they turn 70 years old. Each year, about 9,500 people are diagnosed in the US.
Melanoma is one, but not the only, form of cancer that is considered one of the deadliest.
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay took to Instagram on Saturday to reveal that he underwent surgery to remove a basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.
He shared a picture of a bandage covering his jaw, just under his ear, on social media. Another picture showed several stitches under the bandage.
He wrote in the caption, “Grateful and so appreciative for the incredible team at The Skin Associates and their fast reactive work on removing this Basal Cell Carcinoma thank you!”
He further added, “Please don’t forget your sunscreen this weekend. I promise you it’s not a face lift! I’d need a refund.”
Cancer Research UK wrote in the comments as well, saying, “Glad to hear you’re doing well, Gordon, and thanks for raising awareness of how important it is to stay safe in the sun. Seek shade, cover up, and apply sunscreen regularly and generously.”
Basal cell carcinoma usually first appears as a ‘slightly transparent bump on the skin’ according to the information provided on the Mayo Clinic. It typically appears on areas of the skin that are most frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the neck and head.
The cancer usually appears as a visual change to the skin, such as a growth or a sore that does not heal. This is not the first time Gordon Ramsay has posted about his health on social media. Last year, Ramsay posted about a bike accident he had been in while he was in Connecticut that left him with several bruises.
“You know how much I love cycling and triathlons and Ironman (races) etc and this week, unfortunately, I had a really bad accident and it really shook me and honestly I’m lucky to be here,” Ramsay said about the accident at the time.
“Those incredible trauma surgeons, doctors, nurses in the hospitals looked after me this week, they were amazing but honestly, you’ve got to wear helmets.”
Ramsay further said of his accident, “I don’t care how short the journey is. I don’t care… these helmets cost money, but they’re crucial, even with a kid’s short journey, they’ve got to wear a helmet now.”
“I’m lucky to be standing here. I’m in pain. It’s been a brutal week. And I’m sort of getting through it,” he had said.
We are sending Gordon Ramsay our best as he recuperates from this surgery. Share this with others to encourage them to also focus on their health.