Hugh Jackman Speaks Out on Skin Cancer
Australian actor Hugh Jackman (Wolverine) was first diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma (a form of skin cancer) on his nose in 2013. He has since been open about his struggles with skin cancer and vocal about raising awareness of the disease.
Hugh’s makeup artist first mentioned the ‘little spot of blood’ and encouraged him to get it checked, which his wife Deborra-Lee continued to remind him about until he had an appointment.
“Deb said to get the mark on my nose checked. Boy, was she right! I had a Basal Cell Carcinoma.”
Hugh has recently revealed to WHO magazine that he has now had 4 skin cancers in the last 18 months and been told to expect more as times goes on.
He now attends regular skin and mole checks so that the first signs of skin cancer can be spotted and early action taken.
“I go every three months for checkups. It’s the new normal for me.”
“My doctor says I’ll likely have more and if that’s your cross to bear in life, you should be so lucky.”
Hugh, is vocal about his experience in the hope of raising awareness of the problem, especially with fellow Australians due to all the time they spend in the sun. He is very keen to let people know that sun exposure can lead to serious complications.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
How to spot basal cell carcinoma.
Cancer Research UK say
“Basal cell skin cancers look like a small, slow growing, shiny, pink or red lump. They can also look like red scaly patches. If left, basal cell skin cancers tend to become crusty, bleed, or develop into an ulcer. They are commonest on the face, scalp, ears, hands, shoulders and back.”
It is rare for basal cell skin cancer to spread to another part of the body to form a secondary cancer. However, it is possible to have more than one basal cell cancer at a time and as Hugh’s experience shows, having had one does increase your risk of getting another.
The earlier a cancer is picked up, the easier it is to treat it, so if you have any concerns, visit your GP as soon as possible.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment
The commonest treatment for basal cell carcinoma is surgery, cutting or lasering away the area leaving healthy skin.
Mole Removal Surgery
Doctors at Mole Clinics offer laser surgery as well as excision techniques for larger lesions with no waiting lists. At Mole Clinics, all removed moles are sent away for testing and a report given for peace of mind.
Private Mole Removal
Cosmedics Skin Surgery Laser Clinic offer private mole removal at a selection of clinics based in London and Bristol. Moles are removed using the latest surgical techniques including laser mole removal; with trained doctors and surgeons.
For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.
