Hugh Jackman admits to devastating cancer fear as he was 'pretty scared'

Hugh Jackman has cancerous growth removed from face

Hugh Jackman has candidly discussed undergoing cancer testing.

The famed Wolverine star disclosed in the previous year that he had a biopsy on his nose as doctors were checking him for a less aggressive type of skin ailment. Statistics suggest that in Australia, Hugh's native land, half of the population may receive a diagnosis by the ripe age of 70.

Conversely, UK figures indicate that nearly one in 41 women and one in 35 men will face a skin cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives. According to Cancer Research, an impressive 86% of skin cancer cases in the UK can be thwarted.

Now, at 56, the award-winning actor is set to feature in the documentary Conquering Skin Cancer, sharing the screen with Olympian Cate Campbell and television presenter Deborah Hutton.

In the documentary, an open and honest Hugh recounts the anxiety he faced while awaiting his biopsy results. The trailer captures a moment where Jackman admits: "I remember feeling pretty scared," reports the Mirror.

Hugh has been very open about his experience with the condition (Image: Hugh Jackman / X)

He also made a heartfelt appeal to the audience, stressing the importance of getting tested if there's any worry.

"I promise, you won't regret it," he assures. Just last year, Hugh reached out to his fans, updating them as healthcare professionals checked for basal cell.

Touting the benefits of sunscreen, he implored his followers to take preventative measures against the insidious condition, disclosing: "I've just had two biopsy tests done. The doctor saw two little things that may be basal cell.

"Summer is coming, so please wear sunscreen! It is just not worth it! No matter how much you want a tan, trust me."

Hugh Jackman has shared his experience with cancer (Image: Nine)

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is non-melanoma skin cancer that often presents as a small, shiny pink or pearly-white lump with a translucent or waxy look. It might also manifest as a red, scaly patch, the NHS advises.

The star reached out to his followers on Instagram Stories to share his relief: "MY BIOPSIES CAME BACK NEGATIVE!!! Thank you ALL for the love. I feel it! And to the media for helping get this very important message out. PLEASE REMEMBER TO WEAR SUNSCREEN WITH A HIGH LEVEL OF SPF (NO MATTER THE SEASON). Love. HJ."

Before he got the all-clear, he educated his fans, saying: "I know you've heard me talk about my basal cell carcinomas before. I'm going to keep talking about them, if need be. And if it reminds even one person to put on sunscreen with a high SPF, then I'm happy. Please wear sunscreen, it is just not worth it, no matter how much you want a tan. Trust me! This is all stuff that happened 25 years ago and it's coming out now. Put some sunscreen on and you'll still have an incredible time out there. Please be safe."

He's a keen supporter of cancer charities and awareness campaigns (Image: Getty)

Hugh Jackman had his initial encounter with skin cancer in 2013, leading to multiple treatments since, including during 'The Greatest Showman' production. In a 2021 interview on BBC's The One Show, he openly discussed his health battle, explaining the "elephant in the room" while sporting a plaster on his nose.

"I had a biopsy on my nose three days ago, I find out in the next day or two if it is anything, it may not be," he disclosed through a video link. He went on to say: "It's the least dangerous form of cancer but I'll let you know on social media.

"It's certainly not my first, I've had five or six of them now. It's pretty common when you have English parents and they take you over to Australia and you play cricket out in the sun," he explained to Alex Jones and Gethin Jones as they probed into his history with skin cancer.