Hugh Jackman has revealed that he is once again undergoing tests after another skin cancer scare.
The Hollywood heavyweight was first diagnosed with skin cancer in 2013 – since then he’s had at least six procedures, according to the Daily Mirror.
After his most recent potential brush with the disease, the X-Men star took to his social media to remind his followers to always wear sunscreen and to respect the sun. The 54-year-old, seen wearing a bandage on his nose in his Instagram post, said he is awaiting the results of a test in the next few days.
Shedding some light on the situation at present, Jackman said doctors had noticed “little things which could be or could not be basal cell [carcinomas]”.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describe basal cell carcinoma as one of the two most common types of skin cancer. It begins in the basal layer of the skin and can usually be cured, but can also be disfiguring.
That said, statistics show that treatment is successful for at least 9 out of 10 people with non-melanoma skin cancer.
In his post, Jackman told his fans that cancer is the “least dangerous”, but reminded them to always take the necessary precautions where the sun is involved.
“Please wear sunscreen, it is just not worth it, no matter how much you want a tan. Trust me!” he said.
“This is all stuff that happened 25 years ago and it’s coming out now. Put some sunscreen on and you’ll still have an incredible time out there. Please be safe.”
The actor, who has some 31 million followers on Instagram, added: “I wanted you to hear it from me, just in case someone sees me on the street or whatever. I’ve just had two biopsies done.”
Michael Kovac / Contributor
Speaking back in 2021, Jackman, who was nominated for a BAFTA in 2012, admitted that his struggles with cancer have led to several procedures.
“It’s certainly not my first, I’ve had five or six of them now,” he said of his medical scares.
“It’s pretty common when you have English parents and they take you over to Australia and you play cricket out in the sun.”
As per the NHS, basal cell carcinoma usually appears as a small, shiny pink or pearly-white lump with a translucent or waxy appearance. The lump slowly gets bigger and may become crusty, bleed or develop into a painless ulcer.
You’ve heard me talk about my basal cell carcinomas before. And I’m going to keep talking about them, if need be. If just one person remembers to put on sunscreen with a high SPF, I’m happy. pic.twitter.com/J1srAzWQt0— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) April 3, 2023
I think I can speak for all of us when I say I hope that Hugh Jackman is happy and healthy moving forward.
I can’t wait for the day when we can eradicate cancer, once and for all. If you agree, leave a comment in the box.
Meanwhile, share this article on Facebook if you stand with all those around the world who are fighting this terrible disease.