Danielle Lloyd has revealed she has been diagnosed with a form of skin cancer and has urged people to see a doctor if they have noticed changes to their skin
Danielle Lloyd, the 41-year-old model, took to Instagram on Friday to share the news of her skin cancer diagnosis. Visibly shaken, she expressed her shock at receiving the diagnosis and revealed that she would undergo surgery to determine if the cancer had spread.
As a mother of five, Lloyd seized the moment to raise awareness about the importance of monitoring skin changes and seeking medical attention if anything unusual is noticed. Her emotional video urged: “I don’t really know how to say this and I didn’t know whether to come on and say this but I just feel like I have to raise awareness about this happening to other people. Today I have been diagnosed with a form of skin cancer.
“And I just want to raise awareness for anyone who might think they’ve got something funny on their body, they see a mole that’s growing that’s not normal – please, please, please go to your doctor because honestly, you just never know.”
Lloyd credited the Macmillan nurses at the hospital for their unwavering support following her diagnosis, which left her reeling.
She implored her followers to prioritise their skin health, saying: “Just honestly, not what I expected today. And I suppose not what anyone expects. But please guys look after your skin. Stay off sunbeds, wear factor 50. Just look after yourself because honestly you never know what’s going to happen.”
NHS symptoms of skin cancer
The NHS website states that a persistent lump or discoloured patch on the skin can be an indication of skin cancer. Similarly, a new or changing mole can also signal skin cancer.
According to the NHS: “A new mole or a change in an existing mole may be signs of melanoma. Melanomas can appear anywhere on your body, but they’re more common in areas that are often exposed to the sun.
“Some rarer types can affect the eyes, soles of the feet, palms of the hands or genitals. Check your skin for any unusual changes. Use a mirror or ask a partner or friend to check any areas you cannot see.”
The website also notes that normal moles usually remain unchanged. If a mole alters in size, shape, or colour, it may be a melanoma.
Other warning signs include moles that are:
A doctor should be consulted if:
Detecting a melanoma early can make treatment more effective.
Danielle Lloyd has been open about her health struggles, including having vaginal rejuvenation treatment after experiencing incontinence post-pregnancy. She has also discussed feeling pressured into getting facial cosmetic work due to online trolling about her appearance.
She bravely confronted online trolls during her 2018 appearance on ITV’s Lorraine, where she read out vicious messages she received, including one that cruelly labelled her “wrecked and trashy” and mocked her appearance with the words “looks like a bloke”. The model first captured the nation’s attention as Miss England 2004 before taking the Miss Great Britain crown in 2006.
Her stint in the Celebrity Big Brother house in 2007 further raised her profile. More recently, Lloyd showcased her resilience on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins in 2023, reaching the final three alongside singer Gareth Gates and ex-health secretary Matt Hancock.
Despite her determination, she narrowly missed completing the gruelling course at the very last hurdle.