EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin revealed this week that he recently underwent treatment for skin cancer, sharing a personal account meant to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention.
In a post on X, Zeldin described noticing what initially appeared to be a minor issue—a small, pearl-colored, dome-shaped lesion on his nose.
A biopsy later confirmed it was basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common form of skin cancer.
Basal cell carcinoma is generally slow-growing and highly treatable when caught early, but Zeldin’s experience underscores how easily it can be overlooked.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, BCC affects millions of Americans each year, often appearing as a subtle bump, sore, or discolored patch that does not heal.
Zeldin noted that without prompt medical attention, even seemingly insignificant skin changes can become serious health concerns.
After the diagnosis, Zeldin’s dermatologist removed the cancer using Mohs surgery, a specialized procedure that removes cancerous tissue layer by layer while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
The technique is widely considered the gold standard for treating BCC, particularly in sensitive areas such as the face.
Following the procedure, a plastic surgeon reconstructed part of Zeldin’s nose, using cartilage from behind his ear and a local skin flap to restore both function and appearance.
Zeldin was direct about the role sun exposure likely played in his diagnosis.
Like many Americans, he admitted to spending time in the sun earlier in life without consistently using sunscreen. That lapse, he said, was a mistake.
Dermatologists have long warned that cumulative ultraviolet exposure significantly increases the risk of skin cancer, even decades later. Regular use of sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and routine skin checks can dramatically reduce that risk.
Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, Zeldin emphasized gratitude and perspective.
Recovering at home, he described spending time with his wife, watching television, and even joking about the New York Giants as future Super Bowl champions.
The lighthearted note did not detract from the message he wanted to deliver, but rather reinforced it: early detection allowed him to address the cancer before it became life-threatening.
Zeldin closed his message with a clear call to action. He urged friends, families, and followers to protect their skin and to see a dermatologist regularly.
Skin cancer remains one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer when identified early.
Zeldin’s experience serves as a reminder that vigilance, prevention, and routine medical care can make the difference between a minor procedure and a far more serious outcome.
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