Caitlyn Jenner Just Revealed Her Skin Cancer Diagnosis with a Terrifying Photo
Let her painful-looking nose be a PSA to us all.
In today’s horrifying news, Caitlyn Jenner just experienced every sun-lover’s worst nightmare: skin cancer.
The 68-year-old posted a photo of herself on Instagram Tuesday with the tip of her nose looking blood-red and incredibly raw. The caption on the pic: “I recently had to get some sun damage removed from my nose. PSA- always wear your sunblock!”
Though Jenner is careful to call it “sun damage” rather than cancer, People has confirmed that what Jenner had removed was actually cancerous basal cell carcinoma—the most common form of cancer in the United States, according to Yale dermatologist Mona Gohara, M.D.
A post shared by Caitlyn Jenner (@caitlynjenner)
A photo posted by on
“It’s usually not deadly, but it’s often disfiguring if left untreated,” says Dr. Gohara to MarieClaire.com. Yes, it’s scary, but thankfully, basal cells are relatively easy to spot on your own nose, as long as you’re paying attention. “A basal cell can initially look like a flesh-colored bump that’s not going away, or a pimple that keeps breaking open and not healing, or a waxy bump that's pigmented or brown,” she says.
But a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma doesn’t automatically mean surgery. “If it’s superficial, you can use a chemotherapy cream for about six weeks to kill the cancer, which will leave the skin super red and irritated,” says Dr. Gohara. “Otherwise, we send patients to skin-sparing surgeons who specialize in removing cancers from small areas, like the nose.”
A post shared by Caitlyn Jenner (@caitlynjenner)
A photo posted by on
Of course, your skin cancer risk can be highly mitigated by wearing sunscreen of at least SPF 35 every single day (though nobody is 100 percent safe, since you can’t totally protect yourself from all UV light).
And if your initial reaction is “ugh, but sunscreen is so sticky/heavy/pore-clogging/annoying,” then you clearly haven’t tried Japanese sunscreens, like my favorite Biore Sarasara Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+/PA++++, which truly melts into your skin like water and feels like absolutely nothing after you spread it on.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Either way, just make sure you’re slathering something on your skin every day—and if you won’t listen to me, then I hope you’ll at least listen to Caitlyn Jenner.
RELATED STORY
Chloe Metzger is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing the editorial content and growth strategy of the hair, makeup, and skin space on digital, while also obsessively writing about the best hair products for every hair type (curly girl here; whattup), and the skincare routines that really, truly work (follow her on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes pics of that magazine life). She brings nearly a decade of writing and editing expertise, and her work has appeared in Allure, Health, Fitness, Marie Claire, StyleCaster, and Parents. She also has an unhealthy adoration for Tom Hanks and would like to please meet him one day, if you could arrange that. Thanks.
-
Kendall Jenner Dresses for Sabrina Carpenter's Concert Her Way
No rhinestones or corsets here.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Meghan Markle's $6,050 Pendant Pays Tribute to Her "Angels" Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet
The engraved necklace features an adorable reference to the Duchess of Sussex's children.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Selena Gomez Does Dark Academia in a Goth-Glam Gown
The star shimmered in a beaded gown with a crisp white collar and heaps of diamond jewelry.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Why Dyson's New Airstrait Ad Ignited a TikTok Controversy
"They said y'all can buy the product but it is not meant for you."
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
As A First-Time Marathon Runner, These Wellness Essentials Helped Enhance My Training and Recovery
From a hardworking deodorant to a soothing sauna blanket.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Hailey Bieber’s New Rhode Barrier Butter Is So Decadent, You’ll Want to Smear It Everywhere
Introducing the brand's yummiest product yet: Barrier Butter.
By Hanna Lustig Last updated
-
What Is Sugar Waxing? Everything to Know, According to Experts
It's also less painful than some alternatives.
By Iman Balagam Published
-
Is Cyperus Rotundus Oil Really a Natural Alternative to Laser Hair Removal?
According to research, it just might.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
At Ställe Studios, a Facialist With the “Hands of God” and the Attitude of an Angel
Elizabeth Grace Hand values in-depth treatments and in-depth conversations.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
13 Best Drugstore Concealers That Feel Surprisingly Luxurious
Great things *do* come with small price tags.
By Iman Balagam Published
-
Starface Founder Julie Schott Shares Her Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
The entrepreneur spoke to editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike for the 'Marie Claire' podcast "Nice Talk."
By Sadie Bell Last updated