Actor Hugh Jackman urges people to wear sunscreen; had skin cancer SIX times: Know all the early signs

Hugh Jackman, best known as Wolverine in the X-Men film series, has faced skin cancer several times, which is why he makes sure to keep his fans in loop with his health and spreads awareness on checking your skin and wearing sunscreen. His first skin cancer diagnosis came in 2013, and now he has been diagnosed with the cancer six times!

It was last in August 2021 that the award-winning actor underwent another biopsy to have the cancerous lesion from his nose removed. Sharing a health update in a moving post on Instagram, he said, “Firstly, thank you, everyone, for your incredible support. I got so much support for the biopsy I just had."

Elaborating on the condition, he explained, "If it's anything, it's a basal cell carcinoma, which is not threatening really, but needs to be taken care of."

The father-of-two encouraged everybody to "wear sunscreen; get a skin check whenever you can".

Basal cells are one of the main types of cells found in the top layer of the skin. These skin cells keep shedding as new ones are formed.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) happens due to abnormal, uncontrolled growth of basal cells. Mostly, this abnormal growth happens slowly which is why it is curable "when caught and treated early," explain experts at The Skin Cancer Foundation, US. They also added that a BCC is the most common form of skin cancer.

The process of creating new skin cells is controlled by a basal cell's DNA. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun can lead to DNA damage, which can result in uncontrolled basal cell growth. This is why it is important to wear sunscreen, whether it is actually “sunny” out there or not.

The DNA contains the instructions that tell a cell what to do. A damaged DNA can lead to mutation which tells the basal cell to multiply rapidly and continue growing. This accumulation of abnormal cells can form a cancerous tumor, which appears on the skin in the form of a lesion.

Read more: Weight loss story: “I stopped eating junk, sugar and carbonated drinks and did cardio and weight training to lose 22 kilos”

Skin experts share that this cancer rarely spreads beyond the original tumour site. However, the lesions can grow and become disfiguring. If left untreated, the lesion can further grow wide and deep into the skin, destroying the skin along with the tissue and bone.

Thanks to prompt treatment and regular check ups, Jackman hasn't had his cancerous lesions destroy his looks. With his skin cancer returning time and again, the actor has been vigilant in checking his own skin and visiting his dermatologist for tests.

Read more: Can you spot the thief in this party within 5 seconds?

Here are some important early signs that everyone should know of, to be able to identify timely and seek a health expert.

• New, changing or unusual skin growths
• A reddish patch or irritated area of skin that may crust, itch, or hurt
• A shiny bump that is pearly, clear, pink, red, white, tan, black or brown
• An open sore that does not heal – may bleed, ooze, or crust
• A small pink growth that is slightly raise and may develop tiny surface blood vessels
• A scar-like area that is flat white, yellow, or waxy in color

Visit your dermatologist if you see anything new, changing or unusual on your skin. It is best to get tested in order to avoid any risk.

Those who have had BCC before, like Jackman, are at a higher risk of developing another, especially at or around the previous site of tumour. One reason why these can return is because even after the cancerous lesion has been carefully removed, some cancer cells may remain undetectable after surgery. The returning BCCs are more common for areas like nose, ears and lips, The Skin Cancer Foundation added.