Hugh Jackman urges sunscreen use after having fifth skin cancer removed

Posted February 09, 2016 07:57:54

Wolverine star Hugh Jackman has urged people to wear sunscreen after he had another skin cancer growth removed from his nose.

Jackman, 47, posted a photo on his Instagram account, showing a bandage across his nose.

It was the Australian actor's fifth known basal cell carcinoma removal since 2013.

"An example of what happens when you don't wear sunscreen. Basal Cell. The mildest form of cancer but serious, nonetheless," Jackman wrote on the Instagram post.

"PLEASE USE SUNSCREEN and get regular check-ups."

Jackman has in the past attributed his condition to not having used sunscreen while growing up in Australia.

In May last year, he revealed he had suffered four skin cancers in 18 months, and his doctor warned him he would likely have more.

He now gets check-ups every three months and has launched a range of sunscreens for children.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, with almost 300,000 cases diagnosed in Australia every year.


While it rarely results in death, the Australasian College of Dermatologists warns it can result in serious damage to the face if left untreated.

"Although they are rarely a threat to life, if left untreated they can grow, erode and destroy adjoining structures," the college says on its website.

"Loss of whole organs, such as the nose, ear and eye, can occasionally occur."


Topics: arts-and-entertainment, skin-cancer, united-states