Hugh Jackman, the Australian actor known for his role as Wolverine, recently revealed that his latest skin cancer tests have come back clear. In a social media post, he thanked his followers for their support and encouraged them to wear sunscreen with a high level of SPF, no matter the season.
This is not the first time that Jackman has dealt with skin cancer. In 2013, he had his first skin cancer removed, and has since undergone at least six procedures. The recent tests were prompted by “little things” that his doctor noticed, which could have potentially been basal cell carcinomas.
Basal cell carcinoma is a non-melanoma skin cancer that is caused by overexposure to the sun or sunbeds. While it is less likely to spread than melanoma, it is still a serious condition that requires medical attention. Treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers has a success rate of 90%, according to the NHS.
As an Australian, Jackman is all too aware of the dangers of skin cancer. Australia is the skin cancer capital of the world, with more than 11,500 people diagnosed with melanoma and an estimated 434,000 treated for other skin cancers each year. This is due in part to the country’s location, which puts it closer to the equator and exposes its population to high levels of UV radiation.
Given his personal experience with skin cancer, it’s no surprise that Jackman is a strong advocate for sun safety. His message to wear sunscreen is one that everyone should take to heart, regardless of where they live. By protecting our skin from the sun’s harmful rays, we can reduce our risk of developing skin cancer and keep ourselves healthy and safe.
