Julian Lennon, 56, son of Beatles legend John Lennon, recently underwent emergency surgery to remove a growth on his head — and says his “faith is strong” that all the skin cancer had been removed.
“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,” wrote Lennon, the inspiration behind hit song “Hey Jude,” in an Instagram post. “But this time, it looked and felt a little different.”
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.
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.
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.
