Janelle Brown, one of the stars of the long-running reality TV series Sister Wives, is speaking out about a recent health scare that she hopes will serve as a wake-up call for others. The 54-year-old shared an emotional post on Instagram revealing that she recently underwent surgery to remove two precancerous growths on her skin. Along with a photo showing fresh sutures on her lip, Brown urged her followers to prioritize routine skin checks—even if they believe they’ve been careful about sun exposure.

In her candid post, Brown reminded fans that she has always taken precautions when it comes to sun safety, particularly because of her fair complexion. She said she’s been mindful about wearing sunscreen and staying protected over the years. Still, despite those efforts, she was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma—a common but potentially serious form of skin cancer—shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic began.

That diagnosis prompted her to adopt a more proactive approach to her skin health. Since then, Brown has scheduled annual full-body check-ups with a dermatologist, a routine that may have helped her catch this latest issue early. During her most recent appointment, her doctor discovered a small bump on her lip, which was surgically removed. In addition, two other precancerous spots were found and treated by freezing them off.

While the process was not entirely painless, Brown emphasized how worthwhile it was to undergo the examination and follow through with the recommended procedures. “Yes, it’s a hassle to make the appointment and yes, it’s uncomfortable to have spots frozen or removed,” she admitted, “but it’s 100% worth it.” Her message was clear: taking a few steps now can save you from much more serious consequences later.

Brown also shared that her previous diagnosis in 2021 had come as a surprise. Fans of Sister Wives were the first to point out a noticeable bump above her lip in several episodes. Initially, Brown assumed it was a cold sore and began applying scar ointment. However, when the bump didn’t heal and instead started to grow, she consulted a doctor, who confirmed it was basal cell carcinoma.

Fortunately, that malignant area was removed successfully, and Brown recovered without complications. Today, she continues to monitor her skin health closely and uses her platform to raise awareness about skin cancer prevention. “The world needs us,” she wrote in her Instagram post, finishing with hashtags that encouraged people to schedule their own dermatology appointments and take skin cancer seriously.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting millions of people each year. Basal cell carcinoma, while typically non-life-threatening, can cause significant damage if not detected and treated early. It often appears as a pearly or waxy bump, but it can also look like a flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion. The tricky part is that it can be mistaken for something as benign as a pimple or cold sore—just as Brown initially believed.

That’s why regular skin checks, either self-administered or with a professional, are so important. Catching changes in the skin early gives doctors a better chance of treating the issue before it becomes dangerous. Brown’s story is a compelling reminder that even if you believe you’re doing everything right, it’s still crucial to get evaluated by a specialist regularly.

In addition to early detection, Brown’s openness has inspired fans to think more seriously about their own health habits. As someone who is constantly in the public eye, her transparency makes her all the more relatable. She’s a mother, a grandmother, and a public figure who—like many of us—is navigating health challenges while trying to balance family, work, and self-care.

Her courage to speak out also adds to the ongoing conversation about mental and physical wellness in the reality television world. Reality stars often face pressure to look a certain way, but Brown’s willingness to share real, unfiltered experiences breaks down stigma and encourages honesty—especially when it comes to health.

So what’s the takeaway from Janelle Brown’s story? Simple: Don’t put off your health. Whether you spend hours in the sun or rarely leave the house, make it a point to schedule regular skin exams. Check your body for unusual spots or changes in moles, and see a dermatologist if something seems off. It could make all the difference.

Your health is worth the time. And if you need a little motivation, just remember Janelle Brown’s story—and let it be the push you need to take charge of your well-being today.