Bruce Jenner’s nose has been the source of jokes for years, with everyone talking about the extensive plastic surgery that he has had done on his face. So, when he stepped out on September 17 with a large bandage covering his nose, the gossip started once again. No, Jenner did not have plastic surgery, he had surgery to remove skin cancer.

“I was diagnosed with…Basal cell carcinoma and have undergone Mohs surgery to remove it,” says Jenner. “I have been struggling with this for several years and appreciate all of the support and prayers while I continue to fight the battle against skin cancer.”

Jenner had surgery recently had surgery, and a source told TMZ that he had “a chunk of tissue removed from his nose… and the procedure required 30 stitches.” Jenner had a similar surgery done last year, in January 2012. That procedure was done on his cheek to also remove skin cancer. Luckily, both times, the cancer was found and removed before it spread to the rest of his body. A source says that Jenner is “recovering and his prognosis is excellent.”

Jenner is also giving words of advice to people about the severity of the disease and taking care of their bodies. “This has taught me to be extra vigilant when out in the sun and I encourage others to get regular checkups and always wear sunscreen,” says Jenner.

Image via Twitter
Video via NDN