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Supermodel Christie Brinkley has revealed her cancer diagnosis and given a candid warning to her fans.
The 70-year-old took to Instagram yesterday (13 March) to share an update on her health with her 898k followers.
She uploaded a series of three photos of her in hospital getting a biopsy along with a caption in which she urged her followers to remain vigilant and proactive with their health.
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The Sports Illustrated star began: "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."
Christie then took the opportunity to issue a warning to her fans about the importance of wearing sun cream.
"The good news for you is that all of this can be avoided by being diligent with your sun protection!" she assured. "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."
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The model also explained that doing regular total body check-ups is a 'must', adding: "I was lucky to find mine, because I was accompanying one of my daughters to HER check up..."
Continuing to recall the moment doctors discovered her cancer, Christie went on:
"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.
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"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!"
She then signed off by thanking her doctors at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York.
Fans have since rushed in to share their words of support, with one Instagram user writing: "Powerful post I love you!"
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"So glad they caught it Christie heal well!" penned a second.
A third added: "Thank you for reminding us to be diligent!"
"Thank God you’re ok and thank you for lending your powerful voice to sun protection," praised a final Instagram user.
"You’re a beautiful role model Christie, wishing you a speedy recovery!"
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If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.
Rhiannon Ingle