The celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has said he has undergone treatment to remove skin cancer, thanking “incredible” health workers for their efforts and urging fans to remember to wear sun protection.
Ramsay, 58, said he had basal cell carcinoma, a non-melanoma form of skin cancer, removed, in a post on Instagram. A picture showed dressings below his ear where the cancer had been removed.
“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,” the Kitchen Nightmares star said.
“Please don’t forget your sunscreen this weekend, I promise you it’s not a facelift. I’d need a refund.”
Ramsay received messages of support from famous friends including the TV judge Robert Rinder, who posted a heart emoji. Ramsay’s daughter Holly wrote “love you dad” with a heart emoji.
A reply to the post from the charity Cancer Research UK read: “Glad to hear you’re doing well, Gordon, and thanks for raising awareness of how important it is to stay safe in the sun.
“Seek shade, cover up and apply sunscreen regularly and generously.”
The NHS says basal cell carcinoma is a non-melanoma form of skin cancer, which starts in the top layer of skin and is mainly caused by ultraviolet light which comes from the sun and is used in sunbeds.
It says the main symptom of the condition is a growth or unusual patch on the skin, which can vary in size and appearance, most common in areas including the head, neck and shoulders, back, hands and lower legs.
Ramsay is also known for presenting Hell’s Kitchen and appearing in ITV’s Gordon, Gino and Fred road trip series, in which he travels with his fellow chef Gino d’Acampo and the First Dates maitre d’hotel Fred Sirieix.
The chef also runs Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, whose venues have received 17 Michelin stars overall, and currently boast eight.
