14 DAY TRIAL // Hugh Jackman has received some rather disturbing news, after he found out that the skin cancer he was diagnosed with back in November 2013 has returned. Yesterday, the actor let his fans know that he is currently under treatment again for skin cancer and he took the time to remind everyone to cover up when under the sun.
The actor posted a post-op photo on his Instagram account in which a close-up of his face reveals a big bandage on the side of his nose, the spot where the cancer appeared and was removed.
The Australian hunk, best known for portraying the mutant Wolverine in the successful X-Men franchise, captioned the photo with “Another Basel Cell Carsinoma. All out now. Thanks Dr. Albom and Dr. Arian," Jackman wrote on Instagram. "PLEASE! PLEASE! WEAR SUNSCREEN!”
For Jackman, this is the second time he's been treated for basal cell carcinoma, after in November 2013 doctors removed another patch of skin, also from his nose.
Medically speaking, basal cell carcinoma or BCC, is a treatable form of skin cancer and a rather common one at that too. It manifests itself by forming lesions or growths on the outermost layer of the skin. The good thing about it, if you can call it that, is that the cancer doesn't usually spread beyond the tumor site.
The worst part about this form of cancer is that, if left untreated, it can cause disfiguring wounds in time. For a man like Jackman, who relies heavily on his face to make a living, it's very important to treat it well and without any lasting marks.
Doctors believe that this form of cancer is caused by a combination of cumulative UV exposure and intense occasional exposure, which basically translates into “don't stay out in the sun too much” or if you have to, be smart and follow Hugh's advice, wear sunscreen.
Upon finding out that their favorite actor has been diagnosed with cancer again, many fans following him on Instagram took to wishing him a speedy recovery and shared their own stories with the disease.
Some chose to lighten the mood by comparing Hugh with Wolverine, his on-screen character, which has amazing healing abilities. They were confident that the actor would pull through simply because he's just as awesome as Wolverine.
You can see Hugh Jackman on screen later this month, when the latest film in the mutant franchise, “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” hits theaters. The Australian hunk is also supposed to star as Blackbeard in the 2015 live-action adaptation “Pan” which is based on the “Peter Pan” novel.
That would explain his bushy black beard in the photo.