Hugh Jackman is once again urging people to take sun protection seriously after speaking out about his ongoing battle with skin cancer.
During an appearance on The Howard Stern Show On Dec. 10, the actor reflected on how many times he’s faced the illness and the importance of early action.
Jackman, now 57, said he had dealt with “about six skin cancers” over the years.
He explained that while melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma can be more dangerous, he only suffered from basal cell carcinoma, the most common type and most treatable when caught early.
He stressed, however, that even the less aggressive form should not be taken lightly, saying: “It’s cancer and it’s growing. And if you don’t remove it, it will get into your bones and then you’ll have to take the bone out.”
His doctor has already warned him that other diagnoses are likely as he gets older and his immune system changes.
Jackman noted that skin cancer often develops decades after initial sun damage, adding, “All skin cancers occur 25 years before the cancer appears. And he said that could be a time when you get burned really badly. Just one.”
Growing up in Australia, he was at higher risk, but Jackman stressed that everyone should take this issue seriously.
He called it “the most preventable cancer” and encouraged regular skin checks. The actor also admitted that even after his first diagnosis, he still fell into the trap of chasing a tan while on vacation.
Thinking about it now, he laughed at himself, “You’re an idiot…Be the pasty-skinned guy. Who cares?”
Jackman’s first experience with basal cell carcinoma occurred in 2013 after his ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness urged him to have a mark on his nose examined.
A makeup artist then noticed another location during filming. X-Men: Days of Future Pastwhich causes him to become more vigilant.
In 2015, he shared that hearing the word “cancer” was always shocking, even though it’s common where he grew up. He admitted: “I never wore sunscreen growing up, so I was an ideal candidate. »
Over the years, he has had several spots removed, three on his nose and one on his shoulder, and he continues to see his doctor every three months for routine checkups.
Jackman’s message is simple but urgent: protect your skin, pay attention to changes and get checked early.
Her own experience reminds us that sun damage lingers long after the burn has faded, and that taking action today can avoid a much tougher battle years later.
