Hugh Jackman shares results from biopsies, advocates for sunscreen
Hugh Jackman on Wednesday shared the results from biopsies he underwent following a recent medical check-up.
"My biopsies came back negative!!!" he wrote in a post on his Instagram story. "Thank you ALL for the love. I feel it! And to the media for helping get this very important message out."
"Please remember to wear sunscreen with a high level of SPF (no matter the season)," he added.
Earlier this week, Jackman, 54, revealed a bandage on his nose while urging fans to wear sunscreen in a health update also shared on Instagram.
In the video post, the star of "The Wolverine" said he recently underwent two biopsies after his doctor spotted potential cancerous cells on his skin.
"I just went to my doctor, Dr. Iron, who's awesome. And she just saw little things, could be or could not be basal cells in her opinion. She doesn't know," he said at that time. "I'll find out in two or three days, and as soon as I know I'll let you know."
Jackman added, "Just to remind you, basal cell -- in the world of skin cancers -- is the least dangerous of them all."
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, and is diagnosed in an estimated 2 million people each year. It originates in basal cells, a type of cell that produces new skin cells, and often occurs in areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Jackman also encouraged his followers on Monday to wear sunscreen to protect themselves from skin cancer.
"No matter how much you want a tan, trust me, trust me, trust me. This is all stuff that happened 25 years ago, it's coming out now. Put some screen on, you'll still have an incredible time out there. Please be safe," he said.
The actor previously revealed in a 2015 interview with ABC News that he spent most of his childhood playing in the hot Australian sun and neglected to wear sunscreen. He was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma in 2013 and revealed in 2016 that he had to undergo yet another biopsy.
In the years since his original diagnosis, Jackman has continued to stress the importance of sunscreen.
In the caption of his Instagram post on Monday, he wrote, "I know you've heard me talk about my basal cell carcinomas before. I'm going to keep talking about them, if need be. And if it reminds even one person to put on sunscreen with a high SPF, then I'm happy."
This article was originally published on April 4, 2023.
