Kelli Finglass did not plan to talk publicly about her health. But this week, she felt she had to. The 61-year-old star of “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” shared a candid Instagram video revealing she has been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer.
‘This Is Exactly Why Skin Checks Matter’
‘Well, good morning,’ Finglass began. ‘My grandmother – grandma Polly – has always told me not to talk about health with people. But I’m compelled to…’
She explained that she had been documenting cosmetic treatments at a Texas clinic and, as part of the process, underwent routine skin checks before proceeding.
That precaution led to a biopsy and, ultimately, an early diagnosis she now hopes will encourage others to prioritize their own skin health.
Finglass said a recent biopsy brought mixed news. ‘I got some good news and some bad news,’ she shared. She revealed that five spots on her body were tested. Four came back clear. One did not. “This little guy right here,” Kelli said, pointing to a spot on her temple.
“This one is squamous cell carcinoma, so I get to schedule a Mohs micrographic surgery.”
She described the procedure in her own words. “I call it scoop and stitch, they scoop out the skin and stitch you up like a football.”
In the caption of her post, Finglass stressed the importance of screening. “We went in for a routine skin check before cosmetic treatments… and this is exactly why skin checks matter. What we didn’t expect to find ended up being something that truly needed attention, a Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Early detection makes all the difference — and this is your reminder that skin health always comes first.”
She added, “Thankful for thorough care, proactive screening, and having these conversations out loud. If you’ve been putting off a skin check, let this be your sign.”
Fans Praise Her Openness About Skin Cancer
Messages of support flooded her comments within hours.
‘I love that you posted this, Kelli! Hopefully, it will inspire others to get regular skin checks. I’m a Dr. Singer patient, and she’s removed quite a few spots for me. I see her every six months, and I’m so grateful to have her keeping an eye on things. Cheers to healthy skin,’ one follower wrote.
Another shared, ‘I love that you’re posting these! Keep it up. I’m 55. I go every year for a complete skin check. The majority of the time, I’ve had spots that looked like nothing but needed treatment. It’s so important to get checked.’
A third commented, ‘Thank you for being so open and honest about your results. Glad it was caught early.’
One fan added, ‘My mama keeps nagging me to go get a skin check and now seeing your videos I’m making an appointment.’
For many, her honesty felt less like a celebrity update and more like a wake-up call from someone they trust.
Understanding Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Early Detection
As per Mayo Clinic, Squamous cell carcinoma is among the most common forms of skin cancer. It typically appears on parts of the body that receive the most sun exposure, such as the face, scalp, and ears.
The American Cancer Society reports that millions of basal and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed in the United States each year. Most are highly treatable when detected early, but squamous cell carcinoma can become serious if ignored.
By speaking openly about her diagnosis, Finglass transformed a private moment into a public lesson. Her takeaway was simple and human: Pay attention to your skin. Keep your appointments. Do not ignore what feels small, as early action can make all the difference.
