Christie Brinkley reveals skin cancer scare: 'We caught the basal-cell carcinoma early'

Christie Brinkley is using a recent health scare to shine a light on the importance of skincare.

In an Instagram post Wednesday, the model revealed she was diagnosed with early-stage skin cancer and underwent a procedure to treat it.

“The good news for me is we caught the basal cell carcinoma early,” Brinkley wrote. “And I had great doctors that removed the cancer and stitched me up to perfection like an haute couture Dior👍”

Brinkley shared photos of herself after the procedure, including an image that shows the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model’s stitches on her left temple.

“The good news for you is that all of this can be avoided by being diligent with your sun protection!” Brinkley continued. “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. And doing regular total body checkups..that is a MUST!”

Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that originates from the basal cells, which are cells within the skin that produce “new skin cells as old ones die off,” according to Mayo Clinic. The carcinoma often appears as a “slightly transparent bump on the skin” and most often occurs on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, such as the head or neck.

The most commonly cited cause of basal cell carcinomas is long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, per Mayo Clinic. Applying sunscreen and avoiding time in the sun can help minimize a person’s risk.

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Brinkley said her carcinoma was discovered unexpectedly during a checkup for her daughter.

“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 wrote. “He took a look and knew immediately it needed a biopsy! … So make your own good luck by making that checkup appointment today. And slather up my friends!”

Olivia Munn reveals breast cancer diagnosis

Brinkley isn’t the only star getting candid about their experience with cancer.

Actress Olivia Munn revealed she has been privately battling breast cancer in an Instagram post Wednesday, telling fans she has had four surgeries over the past 10 months and spent "so many days" in bed that she "can't even count."

More celebs talk health:Olivia Munn reveals breast cancer diagnosis, underwent double mastectomy

Munn described taking a genetic test in February 2023 in order to be "proactive" about her health, during which she tested negative for 90 different cancer genes. She also said she had a normal mammogram that winter, but she was diagnosed with breast cancer two months later.

Following a biopsy that revealed she had Luminal B cancer – an "aggressive, fast-moving cancer" – in both breasts, Munn received a double mastectomy.

"I've tended to let people see me when I have energy, when I can get dressed and get out of the house, when I can take my baby boy to the park," Munn wrote. "I've kept the diagnosis and the worry and the recovery and the pain medicine and the paper gowns private. I needed to catch my breath and get through some of the hardest parts before sharing."

Contributing: Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY