Hugh Jackman is again urging people to take sun protection seriously after opening up about his ongoing battle with skin cancer.
During a performance at The Howard Stern Show on Dec. 10, the actor reflected on how many times he’s been exposed to the disease and how important early action can be.
Jackman, now 57, shared that he has dealt with “like six skin cancers” over the years.
He explained that while melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma can be more dangerous, he has only experienced basal cell carcinoma, the most common and most treatable type, when caught early.
Still, he emphasized that even the least aggressive form shouldn’t be taken lightly, saying, “It’s a cancer, and it grows. And if you don’t take it out, it will get into your bones, and then you have to take the bone out.”
His doctor has already warned him that multiple diagnoses are likely as he ages and his immune system changes.
Noting that skin cancer often develops decades after the initial sun damage, Jackman added, “All skin cancer, it all happens 25 years before the cancer comes. And he said it might be one time where you got really burned. Just one.”
Growing up in Australia put him at higher risk, but Jackman stressed that everyone should take the problem seriously.
He called it “the most preventable cancer” and encouraged regular skin checks. The actor also admitted that even after his initial diagnosis, he still fell into the trap of chasing a tan while on vacation.
Reflecting on it now, he chuckled to himself, “You’re an idiot… Be that thick skin. Who cares?”
Jackman’s first experience with basal cell carcinoma happened in 2013 after his ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness encouraged him to have a mole on his nose examined.
A makeup artist later noticed another spot while filming X-Men: Days of Future Pastcausing him to become more alert.
In 2015, he shared that hearing the word “cancer” was always shocking, even though it’s common where he grew up. He admitted: “I never used sunscreen growing up, so I was a prime candidate for it.”
Over the years, he has had several spots removed, three from his nose and one from his shoulder, and he continues to visit his doctor every three months for routine check-ups.
Jackman’s message is simple but urgent, protect your skin, be aware of changes and get checked early.
His own experience serves as a reminder that sun damage lingers long after the burn has gone, and acting today can prevent a much tougher battle years down the road.
