Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay recently shared his skin scare about skin cancer, and encouraged others to take sun safety more seriously. While he is known for his fiery personality in the kitchen, Ramsay disclosed his more vulnerable side as he discussed the importance of protecting your skin and going for regular check-ups about your health.
What Happened to Gordon Ramsay?
In Ramsay's case, doctors revealed that he had irregular spots on his body while he was receiving a routine check-up. The chef, who films outside consistently for shows like Hell's kitchen, and Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted, later admitted he spent long hours in the sun without protection, causing damage to his skin. He had treatment to remove the area involved and is now in recovery.
The Increasing Risk of Skin Cancer
According to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), Skin cancer is one of the most frequently occurring cancers in the world and it has millions of new cases every year, and that prolonged sun exposure to UV rays, has contributed to it. Experts are reminding people to always seek protection from the sun, such as sunscreen, or protective clothing, and also to ensure to visit the dermatologist each year.
Awareness from Ramsay
Ramsay is now trying to use his platform to raise awareness of early detection and prevention, and he reminded fans that "no one is invincible," he also added that just small changes can be made to assist with prevention, like wearing sunscreen, and getting all health check-ups once a year.
Lessons for Everyone
Ramsay's tale is an awakening, especially for outdoor enthusiasts! Health professionals recommend consistent use of sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and check your skin regularly for things that look different. When caught early, most skin cancers can be treated with great success.