When Gordon Ramsay joked, 'Promise you it's not a facelift' alongside photos of his surgical scar, the celebrity chef was doing more than just deflecting vanity concerns.
The 58-year-old was sharing a serious health message after having basal cell carcinoma surgically removed from his jawline, adding his voice to an increasingly important conversation about skin cancer prevention.
The Hell's Kitchen star revealed the diagnosis to his 19.2 million Instagram followers over the weekend, posting two confronting images—one showing a large bandage covering the side of his jaw beneath his ear, and another displaying the line of stitches running from his earlobe to his neck.
'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!'
What exactly is basal cell carcinoma?
For many Australians, particularly those over 60, Ramsay's diagnosis might hit close to home. Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that typically appears as a white, waxy lump or a brown, scaly patch on sun-exposed areas, such as the face and neck.
This type of skin cancer begins in the basal cells, which produce new skin cells to replace the ones that die, and most often occurs on parts of the skin that are exposed to sun, such as the head and neck.
The good news? While basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to the rest of the body, if left untreated, it can grow into nearby areas and invade the bone or tissues under the skin. Early detection and treatment are crucial.
Understanding basal cell carcinoma
Most common type of skin cancer globally
Caused primarily by long-term UV exposure from sunlight
Appears as skin-coloured, pink, brown, or black bumps
Rarely spreads but can cause local tissue damage
Highly treatable when caught early
Can recur if not completely removed
Australia's sobering skin cancer reality
Ramsay's experience isn't just a celebrity health story—it reflects a much broader health crisis, particularly relevant for Australian seniors. At least 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, with the risk higher in men than in women.
The numbers are staggering. According to the Cancer Council, basal cell carcinoma is responsible for 70 per cent, or more than 2 out of every 3, cases of non-melanoma skin cancer in Australia.
Of those with cancer, more than one in three people (34.9 per cent) had skin cancer, making this the most commonly reported type of cancer—a trend that has remained stable over the last decade.
For those approaching or in their senior years, the risk compounds. It usually takes a long time from when skin was exposed to harmful UV rays and when basal cell carcinoma starts, meaning older people are at greater risk of getting the disease. As you age, it's also harder for your body to fix damage from the sun, which increases cancer risk.
The prevention message that could save your life
Ramsay's post came with a timely reminder: 'Please don't forget your sunscreen this weekend'. For Australian seniors, this advice carries extra weight given our harsh UV conditions and the cumulative nature of sun damage.
Chronic overexposure to sunlight is the leading cause of basal cell carcinoma, so try to avoid the peak sunlight hours of 10 am to 3 pm. Even then, check the UV index for your local area, even in cooler climates, and adjust your plans accordingly.
Here's what skin cancer experts recommend for comprehensive protection:
Daily sunscreen routine: Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF30+ on all exposed skin, including the lips, even on cloudy days. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for when to reapply it and apply it more often if you are swimming or sweating.
Protective clothing: Limit skin exposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays by wearing sunglasses, broad-brimmed hats and protective, tightly woven clothing daily. Find clothing with a UPF rating, especially if your job requires you to be outdoors.
Time awareness: Avoid the sun during the middle of the day. In many places, the sun's rays are strongest between about 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Schedule outdoor activities for other times of the day, even during winter or when the sky is cloudy.
Essential sun protection for Australian seniors
- Apply SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days
- Wear wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, and UV-protective sunglasses
- Seek shade between 10am-4pm when UV rays are strongest
- Check your skin monthly for new growths or changes
- Have annual skin checks with your GP or dermatologist
- Remember: it's never too late to start protecting yourself
Learning from the unexpected
Did you know?
Did you know?
Even indirect sunlight can cause skin damage? Even if you are driving to the office, sunlight through the car window can cause damage. Even if you are sitting inside behind a tinted window, the sun's rays can still affect your skin health.
This reality check is particularly relevant for Australian seniors who may have accumulated decades of incidental sun exposure—those quick trips to the letterbox, morning walks, or afternoons in the garden that seemed harmless at the time.
The bigger picture for Australian families
The unfortunate reality of living in Australia is that every single one of us is at risk of developing basal cell carcinoma or other skin cancers. For families with members over 60, this means having conversations about prevention, regular skin checks, and taking sun protection seriously—not just during beach holidays, but every day.
The 'Slip Slop Slap' campaign was a very large skin cancer awareness and prevention campaign commencing from the early 1980s. In 2024, the population aged under 40 were born after or around the 'Slip Slop Slap' campaign and have spent their lives in an environment where skin cancer awareness has been greater. Skin cancer awareness and prevention advice continues today.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Australia's successful prevention efforts show results: melanoma rates have been declining in young Australians since the late 1990s thanks to comprehensive sun safety education, but rates continue rising in people over 50 who experienced less sun protection awareness in their youth.
What This Means For You
Ramsay's candid sharing of his health scare, complete with surgical photos and a dose of his trademark humour, serves as a powerful reminder that skin cancer doesn't discriminate. For Australian seniors, his message is clear: sun protection isn't vanity—it's a vital health practice that could prevent a diagnosis like his own.
What steps are you taking to protect your skin from Australia's harsh sun? Have you had a recent skin check, and do you have a daily sun protection routine? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.
Original Article
https://www.news.com.au/entertainme...l/news-story/84c3d0e48dff9c0aa2fe3c9423f9a0ee
Gordon Ramsay warns fans about sunscreen after skin cancer removal | Fox News
Cited text: 'Grateful and so appreciative for the incredible team at The Skin Associates and their fast reactive work on removing this Basal Cell Carcinoma thank ...
Excerpt: The 58-year-old was sharing a serious health message after having basal cell carcinoma surgically removed from his jawline
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/gordon-ramsay-undergoes-surgery-skin-cancer
Gordon Ramsay reveals skin cancer diagnosis: 'Please don’t forget your sunscreen this weekend'
Cited text: “Grateful and so appreciative for the incredible team at The Skin Associates and their fast reactive work on removing this Basal Cell Carcinoma thank ...
Excerpt: The 58-year-old was sharing a serious health message after having basal cell carcinoma surgically removed from his jawline
https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/gordon-ramsay-skin-cancer-diagnosis-rcna228177
Gordon Ramsay warns fans about sunscreen after skin cancer removal | Fox News
Cited text: · The celebrity chef revealed he recently had a basal cell carcinoma removed and shared a photo of the scar with his 19.2 million Instagram followers....
Excerpt: The Hell's Kitchen star revealed the diagnosis to his 19.2 million Instagram followers
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/gordon-ramsay-undergoes-surgery-skin-cancer
Gordon Ramsay warns fans about sunscreen after skin cancer removal | Fox News
Cited text: A basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that typically appears as a white waxy lump or a brown scaly patch on sun-exposed areas, such as the f...
Excerpt: Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that typically appears as a white waxy lump or a brown scaly patch on sun-exposed areas, such as the face and neck
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/gordon-ramsay-undergoes-surgery-skin-cancer
Gordon Ramsay reveals skin cancer diagnosis: 'Please don’t forget your sunscreen this weekend'
Cited text: ... Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in the basal cells, which produce new skin cells to replace the ones that die, according...
Excerpt: This type of skin cancer begins in the basal cells, which produce new skin cells to replace the ones that die, and most often occurs on parts of the skin that are exposed to sun, such as the head and neck
https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/gordon-ramsay-skin-cancer-diagnosis-rcna228177
Gordon Ramsay Reveals He Underwent Surgery For Skin Cancer
Cited text: While basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to the rest of the body, if gone untreated, it can grow into nearby areas and invade the bone or tissues und...
Excerpt: While basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to the rest of the body, if gone untreated, it can grow into nearby areas and invade the bone or tissues under the skin
https://www.today.com/health/gordon-ramsay-skin-cancer-rcna228198
Incidence and mortality | National Cancer Prevention Policy Skin Cancer Statistics and Issues | Cancer Council
Cited text: At least 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime,[4] and the risk is higher in men than in women.
Excerpt: At least 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime
https://www.cancer.org.au/about-us/...resources/skin-cancer-incidence-and-mortality
Incidence and mortality | National Cancer Prevention Policy Skin Cancer Statistics and Issues | Cancer Council
Cited text: For males and females respectively, there is a 73 per cent vs. 65 per cent risk of developing at least one NMSC[4] while the age-standardised incidence rate for melan...
Excerpt: the risk higher in men than in women
https://www.cancer.org.au/about-us/...resources/skin-cancer-incidence-and-mortality
Basal Cell Carcinoma: Protection and Treatment Options
Cited text: According to the Cancer Council, BCC is responsible for 70 per cent, or more than 2 out of every 3, cases of non-melanoma skin cancer in Australia.
Excerpt: According to the Cancer Council, basal cell carcinoma is responsible for 70 per cent, or more than 2 out of every 3, cases of non-melanoma skin cancer in Australia
https://sundoctors.com.au/blog/basal-cell-carcinoma-protection-and-treatment-options/
Cancer, 2022 | Australian Bureau of Statistics
Cited text: Of those with cancer, more than one in three people (34.9 per cent) had skin cancer, making this the most commonly reported type of cancer. This trend has rem...
Excerpt: Of those with cancer, more than one in three people (34.9 per cent) had skin cancer, making this the most commonly reported type of cancer—a trend that has remained stable over the last decade
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/cancer/latest-release
Basal Cell Carcinoma Prevention & Risk Factors | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Cited text: It usually takes a long time from when your skin was exposed to harmful UV rays and when basal cell carcinoma starts. This means older people are at a...
Excerpt: It usually takes a long time from when skin was exposed to harmful UV rays and when basal cell carcinoma starts, meaning older people are at greater risk of getting the disease.
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/basal-cell-carcinoma/prevention-early-detection
Gordon Ramsay warns fans about sunscreen after skin cancer removal | Fox News
Cited text: APP USERS CLICK HERE TO VIEW POST ... 'Please don’t forget your sunscreen this weekend,' he warned.
Excerpt: 'Please don't forget your sunscreen this weekend'
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/gordon-ramsay-undergoes-surgery-skin-cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma: Protection and Treatment Options
Cited text: Chronic overexposure to sunlight is the leading cause of basal cell carcinoma, so try to avoid the peak sunlight hours of 10 am to 3 pm. Even then, ch...
Excerpt: Chronic overexposure to sunlight is the leading cause of basal cell carcinoma, so try to avoid the peak sunlight hours of 10 am to 3 pm.
https://sundoctors.com.au/blog/basal-cell-carcinoma-protection-and-treatment-options/
Basal Cell Carcinoma: Protection and Treatment Options
Cited text: Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF30+ on all exposed skin, including the lips, even on cloudy days. Follow the manufacturer's instruction...
Excerpt: Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF30+ on all exposed skin, including the lips, even on cloudy days.
https://sundoctors.com.au/blog/basal-cell-carcinoma-protection-and-treatment-options/
Basal Cell Carcinoma: Protection and Treatment Options
Cited text: Limit skin exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays by wearing sunglasses, broad-brimmed hats and protective, tightly woven clothing daily. Find...
Excerpt: Limit skin exposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays by wearing sunglasses, broad-brimmed hats and protective, tightly woven clothing daily.
https://sundoctors.com.au/blog/basal-cell-carcinoma-protection-and-treatment-options/
Basal cell carcinoma-Basal cell carcinoma—Symptoms & causes—Mayo Clinic
Cited text: To reduce your risk of basal cell carcinoma you can: Avoid the sun during the middle of the day. In many places, the sun's rays are strongest between ...
Excerpt: Avoid the sun during the middle of the day. In many places, the sun's rays are strongest between about 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/basal-cell-carcinoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20354187
Basal Cell Carcinoma: Protection and Treatment Options
Cited text: Did you know that even indirect sunlight can cause skin damage? Even if you are driving to the office, sunlight through the car window can cause damag...
Excerpt: Did you know that even indirect sunlight can cause skin damage? Even if you are driving to the office, sunlight through the car window can cause damage.
https://sundoctors.com.au/blog/basal-cell-carcinoma-protection-and-treatment-options/
Gordon Ramsay Reveals He Underwent Surgery For Skin Cancer
Cited text: In August 2024, YouTuber Joey Graceffa announced on social media that he had been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, months after Christie Brinkley ...
Excerpt: In recent years, several celebrities have called attention to basal cell carcinoma, including YouTuber Joey Graceffa in August 2024 and Christie Brinkley, who urged her followers to be 'diligent with your sun protection' after her diagnosis
https://www.today.com/health/gordon-ramsay-skin-cancer-rcna228198
Gordon Ramsay Reveals He Underwent Surgery For Skin Cancer
Cited text: Hugh Jackman has had multiple experiences with basal cell carcinoma and has a history of skin cancer on his nose. He raised awareness for the cancer o...
Excerpt: Hugh Jackman has had multiple experiences with basal cell carcinoma and has a history of skin cancer on his nose, raising awareness for the cancer on social media after he had a biopsy in August 2021
https://www.today.com/health/gordon-ramsay-skin-cancer-rcna228198
Gordon Ramsay Reveals He Underwent Surgery For Skin Cancer
Cited text: Ramsay received support from his family and his friends on social media, with his daughter Holly writing in the comments, “Love you dad .” · “Wishing ...
Excerpt: his daughter Holly writing in the comments, 'Love you dad'
https://www.today.com/health/gordon-ramsay-skin-cancer-rcna228198
Basal Cell Carcinoma: Protection and Treatment Options
Cited text: The unfortunate reality of living in Australia is that every single one of us is at risk of developing basal cell carcinoma or other skin cancers.
Excerpt: The unfortunate reality of living in Australia is that every single one of us is at risk of developing basal cell carcinoma or other skin cancers
https://sundoctors.com.au/blog/basal-cell-carcinoma-protection-and-treatment-options/
Cancer data in Australia, Overview of cancer in Australia, 2024—Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Cited text: The ‘Slip Slop Slap’ campaign was a very large skin cancer awareness and prevention campaign commencing from the early 1980s. In 2024, the population ...
Excerpt: The 'Slip Slop Slap' campaign was a very large skin cancer awareness and prevention campaign commencing from the early 1980s.
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia/contents/overview
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