For Michelle Monaghan, one diagnosis changed her life, for the better. Years after her scary cancer diagnosis, Monaghan is speaking openly about it, sharing how it transformed how she approaches skincare.
“The White Lotus” star, 49, revealed in an interview with Us Weekly that she was diagnosed with melanoma and felt unprepared for the seriousness of skin cancer at the time.
Michelle Monaghan Says Melanoma Diagnosis ‘Really Shocked’ Her
Getty“I was diagnosed with melanoma several years ago, and it was something that really shocked me. I didn’t know anything about skin cancer,” Monaghan told US Weekly.
“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.”
‘Sunscreen Is Non-Negotiable for Me’
GettySince her diagnosis, Monaghan said sun protection has become a daily priority. “[Sunscreen] is critical for me; it’s non-negotiable for me every single day, rain or shine, 365 days a year,” she said.
HBOThe actress emphasized that her perspective shifted completely once she understood the risks, adding that awareness and prevention are key.
How Her Husband Helped Save Her Life
GettyMonaghan credited her husband, Peter White, with noticing the warning signs and pushing her to seek medical care, a decision she says changed everything.
“He basically saved my life,” Monaghan told Us Weekly. “As a result of that, I really started to take my skin care a lot more seriously. [I] really started to do the deep dive on ingredient safety and all of those things. And so now I consider myself an advocate. I learned a lot, and so I really want to share with people how important it is to adopt sunscreen into your daily routine and how easy it is.”
The actress has spoken about a similar scare in the past, recalling an earlier experience during an interview with Health.
“In 2011, ‘I had a mole on the back of my calf, and he was adamant that I get it checked,’” she said. “I finally went, and it was skin cancer. I had quite the chunk taken out of my leg. I’m so grateful he noticed it.”
Reflecting on that moment, Monaghan added with humor, “I clearly now realize he has a keen eye and wonder what other imperfections he’s noticing!”
Becoming an Advocate Through Skincare and Awareness
Monaghan now uses her platform to promote prevention, awareness, and education around skin health. She currently serves as a global ambassador for U Beauty, the luxury skincare brand founded by Tina Chen Chang in 2019.
“I was actually in a makeup trailer doing a ‘no makeup/makeup’ look for a role when I was really wanting my skin … I wanted this really natural look, but I also wanted my skin to look its best,” Monaghan told Us Weekly.
Today, Monaghan says her focus goes far beyond beauty. She wants to share what she has learned and encourage others to take skin protection seriously.
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