She mistook a cancerous bump for a pimple
In 2021, Valentina Ferragni, sister of Chiara Ferragni, noticed a peculiar change in her skin. What she initially dismissed as a pimple turned out to be a skin cancer diagnosis. Now, after surgery, the model and influencer is candid about what she looks like and underscores the vitality of self-care.
7:56 AM EST, November 18, 2023
The Origin was in 2021. Valentina Ferragni, a model and influencer, noticed an abnormal change on her forehead. Initially, she dismissed it as a temporary pimple. With time, however, the bump only enlarged.
Cancer, not a pimple
She sought help from a dermatologist, but initially, even he was clueless. He ordered tests, which later revealed the seemingly harmless bump to be basal cell carcinoma, a form of malignant skin cancer.
Basal cell carcinoma, one of the most prevalent but least deadly types of skin cancer, often appears on the face or other body parts frequently exposed to sunlight. Though it develops slowly, it can still be harmful compared to, for instance, melanoma.
Having received a diagnosis, Valentina underwent surgery to remove the skin where the bump had appeared. Her current focus is on disseminating knowledge about skin cancer. She uses her social media platforms to educate about appropriate body care.
Chiara Ferragni's younger sister has modified her lifestyle accordingly. She now uses skin-friendly cosmetics, including sun-protective creams. She keeps a vigilant eye on her body, monitoring for any skin changes.
"I had a 'pimple' removed two years ago that had been hiding under my skin for almost a year and began to transform a month prior to the surgery. My life changed radically and now I pay close attention to every slight change on my skin, anything that could shift and become concerning. Increasing awareness about skin cancers, which are some of the most lethal yet overlooked, has been my mission for two years," she penned down in one of her recent posts.
