Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay revealed he has been diagnosed with cancer yesterday (August 30). But alongside the get well soon comments from fans were others trolling the star and accusing him of “spreading misinformation” about sunscreen.

In a candid post on social media on Saturday, Gordon, 58, revealed that he has been hospitalised for surgery to remove the cancer.

Gordon Ramsay reveals cancer diagnosis

Revealing he was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma – the most common type of skin cancer – Gordon shared a picture of his face, with a bandage covering his surgery.

In the following slide, the bandage was removed. In the picture, Gordon’s scar – underneath his ear – is visible. And the chef joked that he really did have cancer surgery, and not a face lift.

In his caption, Gordon thanked the team who helped treat him, and said: “Grateful and so appreciative for the incredible team at The Skin Associates and their fast reactive work on removing this basal cell carcinoma. Thank you!”

He then shared a warning to his followers: “Please don’t forget your sunscreen this weekend.”

Showing off his sense of humour, he then added: “I promise you it’s not a face lift! I’d need a refund.”

What is basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It develops in the top layer of the skin. They usually grow slowly and, happily for Gordon, they rarely spread to other parts of the body.

Support pours in as Gordon Ramsay shares cancer diagnosis

The chef was soon inundated with support in the comments section of his post.

Rod Rinder shared his support with a red heart emoji. The Ramsay family are also close friends with the Beckhams, and Romeo Beckham liked the post. Daughter Holly – who is tying the knot soon – also hit the like button. Gordon shares Holly and his five other kids – Tilly, Megan, Jack, Oscar and Jesse – with wife Tana.

Well wishes from fans also flooded in.

“Hope you get well soon,” said one. Another added: “Get well soon Gordon.” “Glad you caught it early,” said another.

“Glad you’re alright! Your brash humour brings me great joy, be well Gordon!” another commented. “Wishing you a speedy recovery, Gordon! Thank you for championing the vital message that sunscreen should be a daily habit. Remember, prevention is key in the fight against cancer!” said another.

Gordon Ramsay trolled after revealing cancer diagnosis

However, alongside the well wishes were comments from some followers that falsely claimed that sunscreen is carcinogenic and causes cancer.

“Please stop spreading misinformation about sunscreen. IF SUNSCREEN ACTUALLY WORKED , SKIN CANCER RATES WOULDN’T KEEP CLIMBING,” one posted. Another felt the same: “Sunscreen causes this.”

A third commented: “There has been a 400% increase in skin cancer since the mass production of sunscreens…..the sun isn’t the enemy.” “The sun does not cause cancer,” another declared. “Well, sunscreen is what causes cancer. Just saying,” another commented.

Cancer Research UK, however, begs to differ. It commented on Gordon’s post: “Glad to hear you’re doing well, Gordon, and thanks for raising awareness of how important it is to stay safe in the sun. Seek shade, cover up, and apply sunscreen regularly and generously.”

Both the NHS and Cancer Research UK state that using sunscreen does not cause cancer. For more on how to stay safe in the sun, visit the Cancer Research UK website here.

Read more: Gordon Ramsay admits he’s ‘thankful for helmet that saved his life’ in bike crash