Christie Brinkley, 70, shares cancer diagnosis as model pens stern warning to fans: ‘This can be avoided’
Christie Brinkley is known for her super modelling and acting
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Christie Brinkley has revealed to her fans she has been diagnosed with skin cancer and shared the difficult journey alongside a photo and touching message.
Brinkley found worldwide fame with her appearances in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues, and appeared on an unprecedented three consecutive covers in 1979, 1980 and 1981.
Her successful career has meant she has travelled all around the world for modelling jobs and living the lavish life she had made for herself.
Brinkley recently shared the downside to her multitude of vacations and on-location jobs as she had been diagnosed with skin cancer.
Just weeks after her 70th birthday, she posted an image of herself in a hospital bed and penned: “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.
“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.
“And doing regular total body check ups… That is a MUST ! I was lucky to find mine, because I was accompanying one of my daughters to HER check up.
“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! He did it then and there! So make your own good luck by making that check up appointment today. And slather up my friends!
Christie recently celebrated her 70th birthday
“Thank you to Dr. Abraham, Dr. Anolik, Dr Geronemus, Dr Lloyd Hoffman at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of NewYork. #skincancer #sunprotection #cancerprevention #skin #skincare.”
Many were quick to show their support for Brinkley, as one commented: "Oh Christy! Your little beautiful face, showing just how brave you have had to be."
Another praised: "I am so happy you had it looked at and it was removed! I tell people all the time you know your body better than anyone else… just need to get checked!!"
"Thank God you’re ok and thank you for lending your powerful voice to sun protection. You’re a beautiful role model Christie, wishing you a speedy recover," a third added.
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Christie Brinkley shared her birthday with friends on a boat
Her news comes after she celebrated her milestone birthday and celebrated the occasion with a rejuvenating and relaxing getaway.
Looking back at her career and taking a long mirror selfie, she admitted she was “finally happy with the person looking back at me".
“It’s taken 70 years to get here, in tears and joy I’ve found my happy, so now I’m going to end this poem, before I get too sappy! Happy Birthday Indeed!” (sic)