Kevin Jonas undergoes surgery to remove common skin cancer; urges fans to get checked
The Skin Cancer Foundation encourages people to visit a dermatologist if they notice a change in the color or shape of a mole, see a bump and or sore that doesn't heal and notice any with red irritation or a scar-like area.
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Doctors say people need to be aware of how to spot signs of skin cancer in the wake of Kevin Jonas's diagnosis with a common form of the disease.
Before heading into surgery, the New Jersey native, eldest of the Jonas Brothers, posted a video on his Instagram page showing the small cancerous lesion at the top of his forehead. The video, along with its simple message, urged people to get checked for cancer.
The Skin Cancer Foundation encourages people to visit a dermatologist if they notice a change in the color or shape of a mole, see a bump and or sore that doesn't heal and notice any with red irritation or a scar-like area.
A dermatologist can conduct a biopsy on suspicious lesions to find out if the cells are cancerous or pre-cancerous.
Jones was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, which is the most common form of skin cancer. Doctors say basal cell carcinoma, which grows very slowly and is treatable, is caused by sun and tanning bed exposure.
According to the Mayo Clinic, it is a type of skin cancer that "occurs most often on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, such as your head and neck."
In rare cases, if undetected, it can spread to the lungs and bones.
