Christie Brinkley, 70, Reveals She Has Cancer

The supermodel Christie Brinkley has revealed that she’s been diagnosed with skin cancer at the age of 70.

Brinkley Reveals Cancer Diagnosis

Daily Mail reported that Brinkley took to Instagram to reveal that doctors had found a “basal cell carcinoma” on her face, and she shared some graphic photos of the wound after the cancer was removed in the hopes of inspiring others to regularly check their bodies for abnormalities.

“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 an haute couture Dior,” Brinkley wrote. “The good news for you is that all of this can be avoided by being diligent with your sun protection!”

“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 continued. “And doing regular total body check ups..that is a MUST!”

Related: Christie Brinkley Reveals Her Secret To Aging

How Brinkley Got Diagnosed

Brinkley went on to reveal the unusual way that she ended up being diagnosed.

“I was lucky to find mine, because I was accompanying one of my daughters to HER check up,” she explained. “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.”

“He took a look and knew immediately it needed a biopsy!” she added. “He did it then and there! So make your own good luck by making that check up appointment today. And slather up my friends!”

Brinkley concluded her post by thanking various doctors at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer that makes up more than 80% of all forms of skin cancer in the U.K. and U.S. This cancer is mainly caused by overexposure to UV light from the sun or tanning beds. 

While most BCCs can be cured, treatment can be complex if they are left for a lengthy period of time. Doctors typically  the cancerous tumor and some of the surrounding skin in order to treat this cancer.

Related: Leaked: “DWTS” Season 28 Partners And Who Will Replace Injured Christie Brinkley

Brinkley Turns 70

This comes one month after Brinkley celebrated her 70th birthday.

“This is 70, and you’ve nothing to fear, Because you can make it your own very favorite year!” she wrote on Instagram at the time. “It’s up to you, it’s in your power. To choose to celebrate, instead of cower. You know what to do, Exercise and eat right, use your sunblock and don’t sit under overhead lights!”

“Be curious, explore and go on adventures, just don’t forget to pack your dentures,” Brinkley continued. “Seriously, laugh and love with all your might …and I promise you 70 will be all right!”

At the time of her birthday, Brinkley told People Magazine that she has no plans to retire anytime soon.

“I am so grateful every day when I get to go to work. It helps keep me feeling current,” she said. “I want to keep on charging ahead and having lots of dreams and chasing them and following them and living them.”

This is clearly a very difficult time for Brinkley and her family. Please join us in saying a prayer for her!