Hugh Jackman reveals new skin cancer scare - and urges fans to wear sunscreen

Australian actor Hugh Jackman has opened up about undergoing a new health check for skin cancer following years of treatment for basal cell carcinoma. In a video posted on Instagram he urged followers to stay safe in the sun, revealing how his problems started 25 years ago.

Tuesday 4 April 2023 11:32, UK

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Hugh Jackman urges his social media followers to always wear sunscreen after new cancer scare
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Hugh Jackman has revealed he has undergone two biopsies following a new skin cancer scare.

The Hollywood star has been treated several times for a form of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma, having first had cancerous cells removed in 2013.

In a new video shared on social media, Jackman, 54, said he would receive his biopsy results in the next few days.

Wearing a plaster on his nose, the Australian actor, known for films including The Greatest Showman, Les Miserables and the X-Men series, urged his 31m followers on Instagram and 15m on Twitter to always wear sunscreen.

"I wanted you to hear it from me, just in case someone sees me on the street or whatever," he said. "I've just had two biopsies done."

Jackman's "awesome" doctor saw "little things", he continued. "Could be or could not be basal cell. In her opinion, she doesn't know. I'll find out in two or three days and as soon as I know, I'll let you know."

He went on to assure that basal cell is usually easy to treat, but urged his fans to protect themselves from the sun's rays.

"Just to remind you, basal cell in the world of skin cancers is the least dangerous of them all," Jackman said. "However, if I can just take this opportunity to remind you, summer is coming.

"For those of us here in the Northern Hemisphere, please wear sunscreen. It is just not worth it. No matter how much you want a tan. Trust me."

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The star, who has a home in New York, said his cancer was a result of "stuff that happened 25 years ago [that] is coming out now", and added: "Put some sunscreen on. You'll still have an incredible time out there. All right. Please be safe."

Captioning the video, Jackman said: "I know you've heard me talk about my basal cell carcinomas before. I'm going to keep talking about them, if need be. And if it reminds even one person to put on sunscreen with a high SPF, then I'm happy."

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What is basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma usually appears as a small, shiny pink or pearly-white lump with a translucent or waxy appearance, according to the NHS website. It can also look like a red, scaly patch, sometimes with brown or black pigment within it.

The lump slowly gets bigger and may become crusty, bleed or develop into a painless ulcer.

However, basal cell carcinoma does not usually spread to other parts of the body. It is known as a non-melanoma cancer - melanoma can be more serious.

Basal cell carcinoma starts in the cells lining the bottom of the skin's outermost layer and accounts for about 75% of all skin cancers.

Surgery to remove the cells is usually the main treatment and at least nine out of 10 non-melanoma skin cancer cases are successfully cured, the NHS says.

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