Health

Hugh Jackman’s latest cancer scare is a lesson to us all

The Aussie actor took to Instagram to share his fifth cancer surgery in just four years.
Hugh Jackman

If there’s one thing Australia’s most recent round of scorching heatwaves has taught us it’s that sun protection is an absolute must come summertime Down Under.

And this is a message our very own Hugh Jackman is trying to spread once again after receiving yet another skin-cancer surgery on his nose this week.

Taking to Instagram on Monday, February 13, Sydney-born Hugh shared a picture of his patched-up nose following his fifth skin-cancer surgery.

“Another basal cell carcinoma,” he wrote on the Instagram post.

“Thanks to frequent checks and amazing doctors, all’s well. Looks worse with the dressing on than off!”

The Wolverine actor’s take home message? “WEAR SUNSCREEN,” he says.

Having grown up under the Australian sun, the 48-year-old admits that, back in the day, he never wore sunscreen – something Hugh advocates against today.

“It’s always a bit of a shock just hearing the word ‘cancer,’” he told PEOPLE in 2015, opening up about one of his earlier skin-cancer diagnoses.

“Being an Australian, it’s a very common thing. I never wore sunscreen growing up so I was a prime candidate for it.”

Hugh credits his wife, Deborah-Lee Furness for picking up the very first cancer, saying she encouraged him to get the mark on his nose checked back in 2013.

In Australia, one in two men and women will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85 , with more than 2,000 Aussies dying from skin cancer each year.

According to Sun Smart, each time your skin is exposed by the sun’s UV radiation, changes take place in the structure and function of your skin cells.

Over time, these cells can actually become irreversibly damaged and will only get worse with more UV exposure, increasing your risk of skin cancer.

Haven’t had a skin check in a while? Visit the Cancer Council Australia’s website to find out how to book your next appointment.

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Aussie actor Hugh Jackman has been treated for skin cancer after his wife Deborra-Lee Furness begged him to see a doctor about a growth on his nose. The 45-year-old actor revealed the news on his Instagram account, saying: “Deb said to get the mark on my nose checked. Boy she was right!” Hugh went on […]