Australian actor Hugh Jackman, best known for his roles in X-Men and Deadpool 3, is opening up about his personal battle with skin cancer and encouraging fans to prioritize prevention. The 57-year-old actor revealed that he has been diagnosed with skin cancer six times and emphasized the importance of sunscreen, regular medical checkups, and sun safety.

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Hugh Jackman Shares His Skin Cancer Journey

During a December 10, 2025, appearance on The Howard Stern Show, Jackman discussed his experience with different types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. He noted that basal cell carcinoma, the most common type, can usually be cured if caught early.

“I’ve had like six skin cancers. There’s three types. Melanoma, the worst. Squamous cell, not great. I’ve only had basal cell,” Jackman said.

Jackman shared that while basal cell carcinoma rarely proves fatal, it can grow aggressively if left untreated.

“No one has ever died in the history of the planet, but it’s a cancer and it grows. And if you don’t take it out, it’ll get into your bones and then you’ve got to take the bone out,” he explained.

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Early Detection and the Importance of Checkups

Jackman emphasized that skin cancer is highly preventable and encouraged others to get regular skin checkups. He explained that sun damage often occurs decades before cancer develops and that even a single severe sunburn can significantly increase the risk.

“All skin cancer, all of it happens 25 years before the cancer comes. And he said it could be one time where you got burned really badly. Just one,” Jackman said.

Growing up in sun-drenched Australia, Jackman admitted that he often spent long hours outdoors without sunscreen, putting him at high risk. He now goes to the doctor every three months for routine skin examinations to catch any new issues early.

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Jackman’s Personal Experience

Jackman first had basal cell carcinoma removed from his nose in 2013, after his ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness urged him to check a mark. A makeup artist also noticed another spot while filming X-Men: Days of Future Past in 2014.

He has since had a total of four skin cancers removed from his nose and one from his shoulder. Jackman also humorously reflected on his attitude toward tanning and sun exposure in the past:

“Even after the first one I had, I was like, ‘Ah, but it’d still be good to get a tan when I go away.’ I’m like, what was I thinking? You’re an idiot…Be the pasty skin guy. Who cares?”

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Advocacy and Advice

Jackman is using his platform to raise awareness about skin cancer prevention. He urges fans to be diligent about sunscreen use, sun avoidance during peak hours, and regular dermatologist checkups.

“It’s the most preventable cancer, I think, that is around,” he said.

Jackman’s message underscores the importance of early detection and lifestyle adjustments to reduce the risk of skin cancer, especially for those with fair skin or extensive sun exposure.

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Key Takeaways

• Hugh Jackman has been diagnosed with skin cancer six times, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
• The actor encourages fans to wear sunscreen, avoid excessive sun exposure, and get regular skin checkups.
• Jackman first had basal cell carcinoma removed from his nose in 2013 and has since undergone routine skin screenings every three months.
• He highlighted that skin cancer is highly preventable and emphasized the long-term impact of sun damage.
• Jackman advocates for being proactive about skin health, humorously suggesting, “Be the pasty skin guy. Who cares?”