The celebrity chef has spoken out after having a basal cell carcinoma removed, urging fans to take sun protection seriously.
Gordon Ramsay has revealed he recently underwent surgery for skin cancer, taking to Instagram to share his health scare and encourage followers to stay safe in the sun.
The 57-year-old Hell’s Kitchen star disclosed that he had a basal cell carcinoma—a common type of skin cancer—removed from the side of his face.
Ramsay posted two photos to Instagram: one showing his face wrapped in a bandage just below his ear, and another revealing stitches following the procedure.
“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!” Ramsay wrote.
He then urged fans to protect themselves from sun exposure: “Please don’t forget your sunscreen this weekend. I promise you it’s not a face lift! I’d need a refund.”
Cancer Research UK also weighed in, commenting on Ramsay’s post: “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.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, basal cell carcinoma often appears as a transparent bump on the skin and is most common in areas exposed to sunlight, such as the head and neck. It may look like a sore that doesn’t heal or a subtle growth on the skin.
The diagnosis highlights just how widespread skin cancer is: one in five Americans will develop the condition before age 70, and around 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed daily.
This is not Ramsay’s first major health scare. Just last year, the chef was involved in a serious cycling accident in Connecticut, which left him bruised and shaken.
“You know how much I love cycling and triathlons and Ironman races,” he said at the time. “This week, unfortunately, I had a really bad accident and it really shook me… honestly I’m lucky to be here.”
He credited trauma surgeons and hospital staff for saving his life and used the opportunity to remind people about bike safety: “You’ve got to wear helmets. I don’t care how short the journey is. I don’t care… these helmets cost money, but they’re crucial, even with a kid’s short journey, they’ve got to wear a helmet now.
“I’m lucky to be standing here. I’m in pain. It’s been a brutal week. And I’m sort of getting through it.”
