Australian actor Hugh Jackman has urged people to be sun safe this summer, as he undergoes a fresh round of testing for skin cancer.
The 54-year-old Marvel star first revealed his basal-cell carcinoma (BCC) diagnosis in 2013, and has since had around six procedures.
On Monday, Jackman posted a video to his Instagram account, urging fans to get checked and follow sun safety advice.
He said his doctor had spotted “little things” which may or may not be carcinomas, and expects the results of two biopsies within two or three days.
“If I can just take this opportunity to remind you – summer is coming for those of us here in the northern hemisphere, please wear sunscreen,” he said.
“It is just not worth it.
“No matter how much you want a tan, trust me, trust me, trust me – this is all [basal-cell carcinoma] stuff that happened 25 years ago, and it’s coming out now.
“Put some sunscreen on, you’ll still have an incredible time out there. Please be safe.”
According to the NHS, around 75% of all skin cancers in the UK are basal-cell carcinomas.
It is the most common form of skin cancer and the most frequently occurring form of all cancers.
It is believed to be caused by damage to the skin by ultra violet radiation contained in sunlight. To prevent BCCs, the NHS recommends:
- Examining your skin regularly and seeking medical advice for any lesion that does not heal within six weeks.
- Protecting your skin from ultraviolet radiation in strong sunlight.
- Avoiding exposure to the sun.
- Covering up with loose-fitting but closely-woven clothes.
- Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and protective sunglasses.
- Using a high SPF sunscreen (15 or more) – when choosing a sunscreen, look for one to protect against UVB, and the UVA circle logo and/or 4 or 5 UVA stars to protect against UVA. Apply plenty of sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun, and reapply every 2 hours and straight after swimming and towel-drying.
- Avoiding tanning under sunlamps.
It comes as Jackman is set to reprise his famous role as the bad-tempered and almost indestructible Wolverine in the latest instalment of Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool franchise.
He has played the Marvel character in eight X-Men films from 2000 until 2016, and was last seen as Wolverine in standalone movie Logan in 2017.
The surprise announcement was made by Jackman and Reynolds in September last year, with the latter later assuring fans that the project was being undertaken in a “Hugh Jackman approved” way.
Deadpool 3 is scheduled for release on September 6, 2024.
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