John Lennon’s Son, Julian Lennon, Has Surgery for a Cancerous Growth — the Importance of Early Detection

Related: These Celebrities Shared Their Cancer Scares in 2019, Giving Fans an Important Message About Early Detection

The doctor for the singer, best known for “Too Late for Goodbyes” and “Saltwater,” performed a biopsy which determined the growth was "malignant/cancerous,” according to the post. Due to early detection of the melanoma, it’s believed that his operation removed the entire mass, though further testing is being done to confirm this.

"I cannot tell you how I felt, from one moment of joy, to the fear of feeling that I may be gone, at any given moment. I'm still shaking inside…but my faith is strong,” Lennon elaborated.

 

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The Trouble is… You think you have time…. Well I'm going to keep this short & sweet…. This last week, was one of the most positive & productive weeks of My Life…. I've had some of the most incredible meetings, about My future in the World of Music, Photography, Documentaries & Charity, amongst other things, and was flying high with excitement for the year ahead… 2020, especially after having a very trying year, if not 5 years, since Mum passed… But this year, things started to look up… The smile was back on My face, My heart had opened up again, to all kinds of possibilities, Personal and Professional… A few days ago, I went to visit My dermatologist, here in LA, when she noticed a little bump on My head, that was actually a Mole, that had been there, along with a Birthmark, for the last 57 years…. But this time, it looked & felt a little different. She urged me to have a Biopsy 2 days ago, which I obliged… Only to learn, 24 hrs later, that it was Malignant/Cancerous, and that her recommendation was to get it removed immediately, which is what happened today…. Hopefully We managed to remove all that was cancerous, but the Mole is being sent off again, for a further/deeper analysis, and I'll have those results next week. I cannot tell you how I felt, from One moment of Joy, to the fear of feeling that I may be gone, at any given moment. I'm still shaking inside… But My Faith is Strong…. I'm not saying this for any kind of Sympathy… I'm saying… If You Love this Life, and All that it encompasses, then take time out for yourself, to go and get checked out By Your Doctor, and do every Health Check possible!!!! Go twice a year, if you can, minimum…. Things can turn in a Day, as it did with Me…. Take care of Yourself, and urge those you love, to go for Check-Ups too…. Life is too Short… Don't make it shorter, by being ignorant about Your Own health. The images above were taken over 48 hours…. Love to All…. ♥️???????????? Jules x P.S. Thank You Dr Tess Mauricio, for quite possibly, saving My Life… I shall be forever indebted…. P.P.S. I made these B&W for those of you who might be squeamish….

A post shared by Julian Lennon (@julespicturepalace) on Feb 2, 2020 at 12:53am PST

The diagnosis hits close to home, as Lennon’s mother, Cynthia Lennon, John’s first wife, died of cancer in April 2015 after a short battle with the disease, according to various outlets.

Get Your Moles Evaluated to Rule Out Melanoma

As the deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma, a cancer of the pigment-producing cells, is critical to rule out. Dr. Cecilia Larocca, a dermatologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, recommends implementing the ABCDE rule to determine if a mole requires further examination.

Dr. Cecila Larocca on getting your moles evaluated 

The ABCDE rule:

A: Asymmetry of the mole, or when one half of the mole doesn't match the other

B: Border irregularity or Bleeding

C: Color change either lightening or darkening of a mole

D: Diameter greater than 6mm or enlarging moles

E: Evolving size, shape or color.

Of course, if you’re unsure, it’s always better to have a mole checked out to ensure early detection.

What to Know About Melanoma

The American Cancer Society estimates that 100,350 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in 2020, and 6,850 people may die from the disease. While melanoma can affect anyone, some people are at a higher risk for the disease than others. Those who are fair-skinned with blue eyes and blonde hair, as well as anyone who has a higher than normal amount of moles, is at an increased risk of melanoma.

RELATED: A 17% Decreased Risk of Skin Cancer Just by Eating More Cantaloupes, Carrots and Sweet Potatoes

Race plays a big part in melanoma rates as 2.6% of whites, 0.6% of Hispanics, and 0.1% of blacks are estimated to be diagnosed with the disease, American Cancer Society reports. Gender also factors in as melanoma is more commonly diagnosed in men but, before the age of 50, appears at a higher rate in women. This is due to the fact that the average age of those diagnosed with melanoma is 65, while it’s also found in many young women. If you fall into a higher risk category, consider scheduling regular appointments with a dermatologist.

Don’t Forget the Sunscreen

Many people slather on sunscreen every day, but if you're not choosing the right type or not using enough, it may not be working. Dr. Larocca recommends you use no less than SPF 30 and reapply it every two hours. Your sunscreen should also be broad spectrum, says Dr. Larocca, meaning it covers both UVB and UVA rays.

 

 

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