What Christie Brinkley's Skin Cancer Can Teach Us About Basal Cell Carcinoma

On screen

In March 2024, model and entrepreneur Christie Brinkley shared on Instagram that she had been treated for basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer, on her temple. The way it was found is the memorable part: she was accompanying one of her children to a dermatology appointment and asked the doctor to glance at a tiny spot she had noticed while applying makeup. The doctor biopsied it on the spot.

Brinkley said the cancer was caught early, removed by her doctors, and stitched up — and she used the moment to urge her followers to be diligent about sun protection and regular skin checks, describing her own routine of sunscreen, long sleeves, and a wide-brimmed hat. We share only what she chose to make public.

The reality

According to the National Cancer Institute, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. The main types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas — often grouped as nonmelanoma skin cancers — are far more common than melanoma; melanoma is less common but much more likely to invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body, and it causes most deaths from skin cancer. NCI notes that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation — from the sun and from sunlamps and tanning beds — causes damage that can lead to skin cancer, and that having a fair complexion that burns easily is among the risk factors.

What the story gets right — and what to remember

Brinkley's story captures how skin cancer is often found: a small, unremarkable-looking change that a trained eye takes seriously. Her instinct to simply ask about it was exactly right. It is worth remembering that her experience — an early-caught basal cell carcinoma — is one point on a wide spectrum. Different skin cancers behave very differently, and only a healthcare professional can evaluate a spot. A celebrity's happy outcome is encouragement to get changes checked, not a reason to assume any spot is harmless, and not medical advice.

Awareness, screening & prevention

NCI identifies UV radiation exposure as a risk factor for skin cancer, including long-term exposure to natural or artificial sunlight such as tanning beds, and notes that a history of blistering sunburns — especially in childhood — is a risk factor for melanoma. NCI is careful on one point: it says it is not yet proven whether sunscreen use by itself lowers skin cancer risk, even though avoiding UV damage is the clear underlying principle. Practical sun habits are covered in our guide to sun safety, and knowing your own skin — and getting new or changing spots examined — is covered in skin cancer screening. If you are not sure which checks make sense for you, our free screening check-up tool is an easy place to start.

Turning a story into something useful

The lesson from Brinkley's temple is charmingly small: if you notice a spot, say something. Mention it at any appointment, even someone else's, as she did. Learning what the common skin cancers are, protecting your skin from UV damage, and getting changes looked at early — then sharing that calm information with people you love — is awareness at its most useful. Supporting free cancer education helps it travel further.

Questions to ask a healthcare team

• What skin changes should I have examined, and how soon?
• How often should someone with my skin type and history have a skin exam?
• What is the difference between basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma?
• What sun protection habits matter most for someone like me?