Hugh Jackman has taken to social media to plead with his fans: please wear sunscreen.
Treated for the fourth time for skin cancer on his nose, the "Wolverine" star shared a bandaged-nose selfie last Monday on Instagram. Moreover, the photo came with a public service announcement.
“An example of what happens when you don’t wear sunscreen. Basal Cell. The mildest form of cancer but serious, nonetheless. PLEASE USE SUNSCREEN and get regular check-ups,” read the Instagram post caption.
The actor’s spokesperson revealed to a publication that his basal cell removal surgery last Monday morning was a success.
“The margins are clear and he’s fine,” said Jackman’s spokesperson.
The actor has hurdled skin cancer and was first treated for basal-cell carcinoma in November of 2013. He has undergone four procedures on his nose – and this is his third post-surgery photo within three years.
Around the time of his first treatment, Jackman posted a photo online that came with a revelation that his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, encouraged him to have his “mark” checked by the doctor. His second photo of his journey followed in May 2014.
While open about his health issue, the 47-year-old Jackman admitted getting shocked by the cancer diagnosis.
“I never wore sunscreen growing up so I was a prime candidate for it," recalled the actor, who also had skin cancer cells taken from his shoulder.
Jackman also expressed shock despite “being an Australian,” who are commonly stricken with the skin condition. The Cancer Council estimated that two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they reach age 70, while nearly half a million are treated each year.
Basal cell carcinoma is one of two non-melanoma skin cancer types, the other being squamous cell carcinoma. These non-melanoma cancers are more prevalent among men than women, with double the incidence. Melanoma, on the other hand, is the most dangerous form of the condition.
In the United States, almost 3 million cases each year are diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, which practically does not spread beyond the site of lesion but can grow and become disfiguring.
According to conventional wisdom, sunscreen remains an effective way to protect against skin cancer.
An Australian study in October 2015 also highlighted the potential benefit of nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3 found in Vegemite and beer, in lowering the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer among high-risk patients.
