Actor Hugh Jackman after the removal of a basal cell skin cancer urged followers to wear sunscreen. (Photo : Instagram/Hugh Jackman)
"Wolverine" star Hugh Jackman, 47, has taken to social media to warn fans and followers about the dangers of not wearing sunscreen. The actor underwent his fifth surgery to remove basal carcinoma cells from his nose.
The actor, who plays the part of a mutant in the popular "X-Men" series, posted a picture of himself post-surgery on his official Instagram account. The image clearly shows his nose partially covered with a skin colored plaster.
"An example of what happens when you don't wear sunscreen," Jackman wrote on the post, adding that what he had contracted was the mildest form of cancer but is still serious.
Basal cell carcinoma is said to account for 70 percent of non-melanoma skins cancers, The Guardian reported.
Furthermore, the publication quoted the Australia Cancer Council as saying that annually 500 deaths take place from non-melanoma skin cancers.
While basal cell carcinoma is reported to be common and non-invasive, treatment is required to prevent the condition from evolving into an aggressive type of skin cancer, the publication reported.
In addition, it is also reported that 90 percent of instances of the skin condition are due to UV radiation through exposure to sunlight.
"Being an Australian, it's a very common thing. I never wore sunscreen growing up so I was a prime candidate for it," the actor told People in an interview in 2015.
The star of "Pan" revealed that he first discovered he had skin cancer while filming "X-Men: Days Of Future Past." Jackman's make-up artist who worked on the set noticed the patch first and suggested he see a doctor. Later on, Jackman's wife Deborra-Lee Furness insisted he has a dermatologist look at his skin.
Jackman told the publication it was a bit of a shock to hear that he had skin cancer, but since then, he has come to terms that it is a condition he has to deal with.
The actor has had one cancer removed from his shoulder and three from his nose within 18 months of discovering his condition. In order to stay ahead, the actor admitted he visits the doctor once in three months.
Meanwhile, Jackman, in a bid to raise awareness of sun exposure and to encourage children to wear sunscreen, has since launched a product called Pure Sun Defense for kids. The product is a line of sunscreen compatible for sensitive skin in youngsters.
Watch the trailer of Jackman's latest film below:
A photo posted by Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman) on Feb 8, 2016 at 7:57am PST
