Gossip Herald

Home / Lifestyle

Celebrities who opened up about their harrowing skin cancer diagnoses

Find out which celebs have shared their skin cancer battles

By Amal Fatmi |
Celebrities who opened up about their harrowing skin cancer diagnoses
Celebrities who opened up about their harrowing skin cancer diagnoses

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer globally and in the United States, with an estimated 1 in 5 Americans receiving a skin cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.

The most common skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, which can often be reversed if treated early.

However, “if these cancers are not recognised and treated, they can lead to disfigurement, complications, and even death,” according to Verywell Health.

The American Cancer Society estimates that the average age for a skin cancer diagnosis is 66, yet celebrities of all ages have spoken publicly about their experiences.

The best way to avoid it is to use sunscreen rigorously and avoid tanning, as sun exposure is the leading cause.

Check out which Hollywood celebrities have openly discussed their diagnoses and how they've dealt with them:

Gordon Ramsay:

Celebrities who opened up about their harrowing skin cancer diagnoses

The most recent high-profile skin cancer diagnosis comes from celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.

On August 30, Gordon shared a photo on Instagram of his bandaged face, followed by an image of a scar, revealing that he had undergone surgery to remove basal cell carcinoma, a type of non-melanoma skin cancer.

“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!” Gordon captioned.

He concluded by humbly urging his fans not to forget sunscreen.

Kevin Jonas:

Celebrities who opened up about their harrowing skin cancer diagnoses

In June 2024, Jonas Brothers guitarist Kevin Jonas shared an Instagram reel documenting the removal of a basal cell carcinoma from his head.

He posted a close-up of the mark, calling it an “actual little skin cancer guy.”

It “started to grow, and now I have to get surgery to remove it,” Kevin explained.

The Camp Rock alum ended his post by encouraging his fans to get their moles checked.

Hugh Jackman:

Celebrities who opened up about their harrowing skin cancer diagnoses

In April 2023, the Deadpool & Wolverine star Hugh Jackman appeared on Instagram with a bandage on his nose, urging fans to “put some sunscreen on.”

He revealed he had undergone biopsies for basal cell carcinoma.

His first skin cancer diagnosis came in 2013, after his then-wife Deborra-Lee Furness insisted to get a mark on his nose checked.

Since then, Hugh has had multiple skin biopsies and has used his experience to raise awareness.

“Please get skin checks often, please don't think it won't happen to you,” he said.

Andy Cohen:

Celebrities who opened up about their harrowing skin cancer diagnoses

The Watch What Happens Live! host was diagnosed with melanoma in 2016 after his friend Kelly Ripa spotted a black dot on his lip and urged him to see a dermatologist.

"It really taught me because I am tanorexic. I love the sun, I really do," Andy admitted during an appearance on Live with Kelly.

“And I, of course, never thought that that kind of thing would happen to me and it will change my relationship to the sun,” he added.

Andy Roddick:

Celebrities who opened up about their harrowing skin cancer diagnoses

Tennis champion Andy Roddick has also been open about his experience with skin cancer, having a squamous cell tumour removed from his lips several years ago.

In a May 2024 episode of his podcast Served, Andy appeared with a visibly inflamed face, explaining it was from a “face laser thing” used to treat skin cancer.

“I've dealt with various types of skin cancer since I stopped playing,” he said, who retired after the U.S. Open in 2012.

He ended with advice for parents urging them to "put sunscreen on kids, especially if they are tennis players.”

Andy emphasised that while skin cancer may not show up in youth, the effects can appear later in life.

Christie Brinkley:

Celebrities who opened up about their harrowing skin cancer diagnoses

Christie shared that she has had basal cell carcinoma removed from the side of her face, and it was caught at an early stage.

"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," she said in a March 2024 Instagram post about her diagnosis.

The supermodel learned about her diagnosis at the end of her daughter’s appointment when she asked the doctor, “ ‘Do you think you could just look at this?' … He looked and he goes, 'We've got to do a biopsy immediately.' "

At the end, Christie urged her followers to "make your own good luck by making that check-up appointment today. And slather up my friends!"

Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave:

Celebrities who opened up about their harrowing skin cancer diagnoses

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum was diagnosed with Stage 2 melanoma in 2022, a serious form of skin cancer.

Initially, Teddi had various skin spots removed, but in March 2025, she revealed her melanoma had metastasized (spread) to her brain and lung, leading to Stage 4 cancer and emergency brain surgery. 

However, she continues to undergo treatment, including radiation and immunotherapy, and shares her journey to raise awareness about sun safety and the significance of regular skin checks.