Hugh Jackman Recovering From Third Skin Cancer Treatment

Hugh Jackman has been diagnosed and treated for skin cancer for the third time in one year.

Jackman, the X-Men: Days of Future Past star, is recovering from a third skin cancer treatment. Jackman’s rep told E! News that the 46-year-old actor was “recently treated for his third basal cell carcinoma in 12 months.”

The big screen star had a basal cell carcinoma removed back in November 2013 as well as in May of this year. The X-Men star spoke to E! News about the condition and said that it was definitely skin cancer, but fortunately the most minor of forms.

“So just to be clear, it is skin cancer—it’s a basal cell carcinoma, which of all the skin cancers, is the most minor.”

In May, after his second skin cancer treatment, Jackman posted a photo to his Instagram account urging his fans to wear sunscreen. The photo, which featured Jackman with a bandage over his nose, said, “Another Basel Cell Carsinoma. All out now. Thanks Dr. Albom and Dr. Arian. PLEASE! PLEASE! WEAR SUNSCREEN!” He also told E! News in a previous interview not to be like him.

“Don’t be like me as a kid. Trust me, wear sunscreen!”

After his treatment in May, Jackman told the Associated Press that he knew his battle with skin cancer may not be over.

“I’m realistic about the future and it’s more than likely that I’ll have at least one more but probably many more, which is not uncommon for an Aussie particularly from English stock growing up in Australia where I don’t remember ever being told to put sunscreen on. But the beauty of this is it’s all preventable, it’s just about getting proper check-ups. I can be typical man, a little lazy, I couldn’t be bothered and now I’m not lazy at all.”

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, there are an estimated 2.8 million cases of Basel Cell Carsinoma diagnosed in the US each year. In fact, it is the most frequently occurring form of all cancers. More than one out of every three new cancers are skin cancers and the vast majority are BCCs. It shouldn’t be taken lightly; this skin cancer can be disfiguring if not treated promptly. The foundation notes that there are a number of steps you can take to help prevent skin cancer.

The foundation suggests making these sun safety habits part of your daily health care routine:

• Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
• Do not burn.
• Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
• Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.
• Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
• Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
• See your doctor every year for a professional skin exam.