Hugh Jackman is using his social media platforms and his recent medical check-ups as a way to spread a very important message as the warmer months are quickly approaching: WEAR SUNSCREEN.
On Monday, the Logan star took to Twitter and Instagram to share that he had two biopsies done in the attempt to catch what could potentially be a cancerous skin mark.
“I wanted you to hear it from me just in case someone sees me on the street or whatever,” he started his video, while wearing a bandage on his nose. “I’ve just had two biopsies done. I just went to my doctor […] and she just saw little things, could be or could not be basal cell, in her opinion. She doesn’t know.”
“I’ll find out in two or three days and as soon as I know, I’ll let you know,” he added.
What Jackman is referring to is basal cell carcinoma, or BCC, which “most often occurs when DNA damage from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or indoor tanning triggers changes in basal cells in the outermost layer of skin (epidermis), resulting in uncontrolled growth,” according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
SCF also states that BCC is the most common form of skin cancer and virtually of all cancers, with approximately 3.6 million cases diagnosed each year in the US, adding, “most [BCC cases] are curable and cause minimal damage when caught and treated early.”
Jackman reiterated this idea before going on to talk about what he really wanted to say while making the video.
“Just to remind you, basal cell – in the world of skin cancers – is the least dangerous of them all,” he assured. “However, if I can just take this opportunity to remind you, summer is coming for those of us in the northern hemisphere, please wear sunscreen. It is just not worth it. No matter how much you want a tan, trust me, trust me, trust me.”
“This is all stuff that happened 25 years ago and it’s coming out now,” he added. “Put some sunscreen on. You’ll still have an incredible time out there. Alright. Please be safe.”
This isn’t the first time Hugh has undergone treatment for this recurring skin cancer. Per NBC News, he’s had the procedure done in February 2017, May 2014, and November 2013.
Most recently, he took to Twitter in August 2021 where he revealed he had the procedure done once more, and again urged his followers to wear sunscreen and stay on top of checking your skin for marks that could potentially be cancerous.
In each of his procedures, it was either benign or the basal cell was removed and he’s proved to be okay as a result, cancer-free. Assuming everything goes accordingly, he should be fine.
But it is important to take his advice seriously. The SCF states, “Regular daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by about 40 percent, and lower your melanoma risk by 50 percent.”
Stay safe!
Sources:
twitter.com/RealHughJackman/status/1643010164251869186
