Hugh Jackman is once again urging people to take sun protection seriously after opening up about his current battle with skin cancer.
During an appearance at The Howard Stern Show On December 10, the actor reflected on how many times he has faced 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 treatable type when caught early.
Still, he stressed that even the least aggressive form should not be taken lightly, saying: “It’s a cancer and it grows. And if you don’t remove it, it will get into your bones and then you’ll have to remove the bone.”
Your doctor has already warned you that you are likely to have more diagnoses as you age and your immune system changes.
Jackman noted that skin cancer often develops decades after initial sun damage, adding: “All skin cancers occur 25 years before the cancer appears. And he said it could be a time when you get a very bad sunburn. Just one.”
Growing up in Australia put him at greater risk, but Jackman stressed that everyone should take the issue seriously.
He called it “the most preventable cancer” and encouraged regular skin checks. The actor also admitted that even after his first diagnosis, he still fell into the trap of seeking a tan while on vacation.
Reflecting on it now, he laughed at himself: “You’re an idiot… Be the pale-skinned guy. Who cares?”
Jackman’s first experience with basal cell carcinoma occurred in 2013 after his ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness urged him to have a mark on his nose examined.
Later, a makeup artist noticed another spot while filming. X-Men: Days of Future Pastwhich led him to become more vigilant.
In 2015, she shared that hearing the word “cancer” was always shocking, even though it is common where she grew up. He admitted: “I never used sunscreen as a kid, so I was a prime candidate to use it.”
Over the years, she has had several spots removed, three from her nose and one from her shoulder, and continues to visit her doctor every three months for routine checkups.
Jackman’s message is simple but urgent: protect your skin, pay attention to changes and get checked early.
Your own experience serves as a reminder that sun damage persists long after the burn goes away, and taking action today can prevent a much tougher battle later.
