Does Skin Cancer Cause You Embarrassment?

By Kim Hill

2 min read

I recently read a story about a dancer who was embarrassed she had skin cancer. Does skin cancer cause you embarrassment, and if it does, what do you do?

Skin cancer can affect anyone

I’ve been a huge fan of Whitney Carson ever since So You Think You Can Dance. And while I rarely watch Dancing With the Stars, I knew she was one of the recurring dancers there. I was shocked to learn about her melanoma skin cancer diagnosis, and her reaction to it.¹

She stated,

"I think I was embarrassed only by the fact that I was an athlete and I was supposed to be encompassing everything healthy and fit. I was supposed to be doing all the right things to be an athlete, and so it was embarrassing for me to be like, 'Yes, I had, I was sick. I was literally sick.' The producers didn't know. My partner didn't know. I wanted people to think I was perfectly healthy."

For her, this meant the potential loss of a new career move.

Does skin cancer cause you embarrassment?

Honestly, my skin cancer hasn’t caused me much embarrassment, even when I had stitches on my face, or a big scar. But, I kind of get it. If you’re used to being a super-athlete, or someone at the center of attention, why wouldn’t you feel a bit shy about the fact that something is wrong?

Sure. I’m no celebrity, but other celebrities have embraced sharing their skin cancer struggles. One that immediately comes to mind is Hugh Jackman. He often talks about skin cancer care, and what he has done or gone through.²

But I can’t fault Whitney for her struggles. It was a new, dream job, she’s young, and this was a shock to her.

Spreading awareness

Like Hugh Jackman spreading skin cancer awareness, Whitney Carson has taken to sharing her story and helping others be safer and healthier with the Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes campaign, along with EltaMD Skin Care.

She admitted to using tanning beds and not protecting her skin. Luckily, her mother saw a spot on her foot and encouraged her to get it checked out. It turned out to be melanoma, which had spread to the lymph nodes in her hip.

Even if you’re not famous, it’s important to tell others about skin cancer safety. Fortunately, Whitney’s mom was hypervigilant since their family has a history of melanoma.

Yes, it’s great when celebrities spread the word, but no matter who you are - helping others practice safer skin care is crucial to helping stop the spread of skin cancer.

You be you

Whether you’re a first-time skin cancer survivor, or have had multiple rounds of therapy - you don’t have to feel embarrassed. Skin cancer can happen to anyone. Take the time to tell others your story, and let them know they’re not alone in the fight.

And you never have to feel you’re less-than, just because you have skin cancer.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The SkinCancer.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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moonmomma Member
I actually am embarrassed about my scars, not the fact I have skin cancer. I have a huge scar going across my back, a huge (I call it a centipede) scar with marks from external stitches on my chest and a huge scar across my calf/shin. I know I should say this is me, but I do feel very self conscious. 
1. Kim Hill Member
 <inline-mention username="moonmomma" user-id="2086483"/> I'm so sorry to hear that. We can't help how we feel about things. It's understandable if you're embarrassed. Just because some people don't get embarrassed, it doesn't mean others aren't. We're all so unique that way. Sending you hugs and well-wishes. 
2. moonmomma Member
 <inline-mention username="Kim Hill" user-id="2103902"/> Thank you. ☺️
ilona Member
I have to admit I also am embarrassed about my scar from having the tip of my nose removed and replaced with skin from my clavicle which looks different. I am always aware of it. I went to see a plastic surgeon (none had been available at the time of my operation), but although they said they would have done a better job and could maybe improve it, I decided not to go through the whole trauma again, so I live with it. I remind myself people have to cope with a lot worse ... Thanks for writing. 
1. CommunityMemberdc92f6 Member
 <inline-mention username="ilona" user-id="2093720"/> I also had basal cell on the end of my nose. I was thinking it was something else as it looked and felt red,sore and inflamed but not bleeding or peeling. Anyway my plastic surgeon was going to bring skin from my forehead down and attach it to the end of my nose. I couldn't handle that and refused and told her just to remove it and it would fill in itself as it healed. So that's what she did and it has healed pretty well. I have had many Basal cell and a few squamous and 4 melanomas one being stage 2a. I have had Basal cell removed from my upper lip with a flap and revision of it as well as losing part of my lower eyelid. Those were upsetting and are visible. My eyelid was done by an orbital opthalmologist. I definitely have skin cancer fatigue. When I was seeing an oncologist he ordered a chest x-ray and found a tumour in my lung but it was unrelated to melanoma. It was a neuroendocrine lung cancer which is somewhat rare. I had surgery to remove that lobe and get regular scanning for that. 
2. ilona Member
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberdc92f6" user-id="2101422"/> I'm so sorry to hear about what you have gone through. I suspect that skin flap from the forehead is what I would have been offered, if there had been a plastic surgeon involved. I remember the dermatologist frantically drawing on my face to try out different flaps, but he said he didn't feel he had the skill, so went for the graft. Having read up on those forehead flaps, I can understand why our decided against. They are not easy to stomach. Good to know your nose healed well without that. Having those excisions on your lip and lower eyelid is tough and hard to live with, and you've had so many instances now - I'm not surprise you're feeling worn out with it. I'm shocked to hear that on top of all that, you also had the lung cancer. I'm so, so sorry. I hope it was a primary and they've got it all out now. Much love to you and all your tender places. xxx
ilona Member
Thanks, Kim. I'd like to read your piece about your mum's nose. Where can I find it? Love and hugs to you. 
1. Kim Hill Member
 <inline-mention username="ilona" user-id="2093720"/> Here it is, although there's not a lot on that. I'd be happy to answer any questions about it. <a href='https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/plastic-surgeon-tips' target='_blank'>https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/plastic-surgeon-tips</a>
Karen 1218 Member
I too feel the embarrassment of my scars. This will be my first season of warm weather since my surgery in October. I've put on short sleeved tops and removed them when I seen the scar staring at me in the mirror. I agree that the scars are worse then the cancer itself. It will be a life long reminder.
1. Kim Hill Member
 <inline-mention username="Karen 1218" user-id="6620579"/> I know everyone doesn't embrace them like I do, and that's okay too. Maybe you'll write again sometime about wearing short-sleeved tops. I'd love to hear if you do. Hugs. 
2. Karen 1218 Member
 <inline-mention username="Kim Hill" user-id="2103902"/> I have worn short sleeve tops since. It's better, but the thought that people are staring at them still hangs in my head.
cyndyjoy Member
Sitting here reading this article with a big bandage on my nose from a recent MOHS surgery for basal cell. I get lots of furtive glances from adults and little one just stare at me with little concerned faces❤️. I want to say , “ no, I wasn’t in a bar fight” 😀 I’ve had other MOHS surgeries on my face but this one is the worst !
wseverin Member
Skin cancer is what it is. I have accepted that fact, and don't let it bother me. Mine was caught early, although I've had a few removed from my face. My dermatologist is a magician, you can't see the scars. I worked many days as a kid in the sun without a shirt. I did it, didn't listen to my mom, that's a price I now have to pay. Such as it is, I will continue to live as it's an inconvenience, I have other things to concern myself with. Thank you for reading.
Shadow1945 Member
As an RN/FNP with surgical scars all over my body, including my face and neck, I think of the scars as a life well lived. I never sat in the sun to tan, but have a genetic predisposition to skin cancer. The scars cured me of the skin cancer. Some of my patients were not so lucky. So the little divet on my nose, and the multiple surgical scars are proof that I have lived life. The "Crow's Feet" ie Laugh Lines are signs that I laugh, giggle, and have fun. With different diagnoses, I move forward...and keep on living life.
Cbcbbarrett Member
Well at 72 I’m to the point where it really doesn’t embarrass me. I have had hundreds frozen, burned, cut and Mohs surgeries. I am fair skinned and Irish. I am a walking billboard for skin cancer. Back when I was a kid we didn’t know anything about SPF and the true dangers of sun exposure. It is akin to our knowledge of the dangers of smoking. It is imperative that we spread the word and help protect people. Sadly I’m just tired of the whole process. I see my dermatologist every 6 months and every time she does biopsies and finds more Basal Cell and/or Squamous cell lesions, while freezing several others. Then I set up a Mohs or an excision when the biopsies come back. So tired of continually recovering which often puts a damper on my physical activities and hot tubing. Unfortunately it has just become part of my life that I don’t like but it beats the alternative.
CommunityMember88a5fa Member
in my treatment period i looked like someone with leprosy , it was very bad , my face my neck my torso were covered . i was in serious pain ,rarely could i leave the house . could not wear clothes . to go out i had to stick women menstrual pads to my t shirt to lower the pain . i was self conscious but i have this ability to focus on the task at hand and only that . sometimes i saw people who just had to look away but it did not bother me as i think they saw the pain and could not deal with it . among people closest to me i just kept being the eternal clown i have always been.