Actress Michelle Monaghan admits she 'didn't know anything about skin cancer' prior to shock diagnosis
Michelle Monaghan has opened up about her decade-long skin health journey, following a terrifying brush with skin cancer.
Monaghan, 49, has spoken candidly regarding the initial shock diagnosis, which caught her completely unawares over a decade ago.
In what she described as a "sun-soaked childhood" growing up on her family farm in Iowa, in the US the star admits she did not prioritise her skin health during her early years nearly as much as she should have.
Michelle Monaghan has revealed how little she knew about melanoma prior to her shock diagnosis. Instagram
"I don't recall ever using sunscreen as a kid," she said in a feature with the American Skin Cancer Foundation.
"Our intention was to always get a tan over the summer school break. We thought, 'It's cold for seven months out of the year, so let's get some sun-kissed skin while we can.' Never mind doing it responsibly."
Since having the melanoma removed, the White Lotus alum has become a staunch advocate for sun protection and skin cancer education.
In a recent interview with Us Weekly, Monaghan reflected on the experience, saying the diagnosis had "really shocked [her]".
"I didn't know anything about skin cancer," the actress admitted.
"For anybody out there, please do not go to the tanning bed. You're five times more likely to get melanoma. So I really encourage people to just get that faux tan, but wear the sunscreen."
Monaghan revealed that her husband Peter White – who, as an Australian, had learned about skin cancer in school – was the one to discovered the melanoma.
From there, he "encouraged" her to visit a dermatologist, according to the actress.
"He basically saved my life," Monaghan told Us.
As a result of her health scare, she began to take her skin care and sun safety "a lot more seriously".
"[Sunscreen] is critical for me," she revealed. "It's non-negotiable for me every single day, rain or shine, 365 days a year.
"I learned a lot, and so I really want to share with people how important it is to adopt a sunscreen into your daily routine and how easy it is."
Monaghan debuted a sun-safe look at the recently-concluded Australian Open event in Melbourne. Getty
The star was most recently seen practicing what she has preached at the Australian Open in Melbourne, in a sun-safe ensemble that featured a structured wide-rimmed hat.
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