Hugh Jackman, 54, undergoes testing for basal cell carcinoma — who's at risk?

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Hugh Jackman is advocating for sun safety this summer following tests for skin cancer.

The Australian actor reminded his Instagram followers on Monday to "put some sunscreen on," revealing a bandage on his nose. Jackman, 54, told fans he is awaiting the results of two biopsies after his doctor spotted irregularities that "could be or could not be basal cell [carcinoma]."

"I wanted you to hear it from me, just in case someone sees me on the street or whatever," he said. "I've just had two biopsies done. I just went to my doctor [...] and she just saw little things [that] could be or could not be basal cell, in her opinion. She doesn't know. I'll find out in two or three days and as soon as I know, I'll let you know."

The Golden Globe winner has been treated several times for basal cell carcinoma in 2013, 2014 and 2016.

While he described it as the "least dangerous" of all skin cancers, he still urged fans to lather on sunscreen.

To learn the warning signs of basal cell carcinoma and learn how you can lower your risk of the disease, read on.

What is basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer that develops on areas of the skin exposed to the sun. As Hugh Jackman correctly told his followers, BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, affecting roughly 50,000 to 60,000 Canadians annually. In the U.S., basal and squamous cell skin cancers are found in approximately 3.3 million people every year.

While BCC is the least dangerous of all skin cancers, if left untreated, it can continue to grow, invade and destroy surrounding skin tissue, which may result in disfigurement.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer in Canada, according to the Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation. One-third of all cancer diagnoses in Canada are skin cancer, and of those, the vast majority are BCC.

What are the signs and symptoms of basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell skin cancers usually appear on areas of the body frequently exposed to the sun, including the face and neck, arms and legs. According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, early warning signs of the disease include:

• A firm, flesh-coloured or slightly reddish bump, often with a pearly border. The bump may have small surface blood vessels giving it a red colour.

• Whitish scar where there is no reason for scarring.

• A sore or pimple-like growth that bleeds, crusts over and then reappears.

• A small, red scaling patch, most often seen on the trunk (chest, abdomen, pelvis and back) or limbs.

If a sore has not healed within four weeks, experts recommend visiting a dermatologist or your family physician for a closer examination.

Who's at risk for basal cell carcinoma?

In his Instagram video, Hugh Jackman advocates for a sun-safe summer, and for a good reason. Basal cell carcinoma is caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Regular and liberal sunscreen applications can help lower your risk of developing BCC, as frequent sunburns and intense sun exposure during childhood can increase your risk as you age.

"No matter how much you want to tan, trust me, trust me, trust me," Jackman pleaded to his followers. "This is all stuff that happened 25 years ago and it's coming out now. Put some sunscreen on."

While skin cancer is most prevalent in populations ages 40 and over, the Canadian Association of Dermatology has reported a rise in cases in teenagers and people in their early 20s. Men are more likely than women to develop BCC. Like Hugh Jackman's experience, people who have already had one basal cell skin cancer are at higher risk for developing another.

Additionally, those with fair skin and light colouring, for example, blondes and redheads, people with blue, green or grey eyes, and those prone to freckling and sunburns, are more likely to develop BCC.

While skin cancer in itself is not hereditary, those with a family history of BCC have a higher risk of developing the disease due to several genes and hereditary syndromes.

People taking immunosuppressive drugs over a long period and those with a history of facial X-rays may be more at risk, alongside individuals who work outdoors and have a history of frequent sun exposure.

How to reduce your risk of skin cancer

"If I could just take this opportunity to remind you summer is coming for those of us here in the Northern Hemisphere, please wear sunscreen," Hugh Jackman told his 31.1 million Instagram followers. "Put some sunscreen on. You'll still have an incredible time out there."

According to the American Cancer Society, the number one thing you can do to lower your risk of basal and squamous cell skin cancers is to limit your exposure to UV rays. That is, practice sun safety.

Whether staying in the shade on a sunny day, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses or, most importantly, applying (and re-applying) a broad-spectrum sunscreen, less UV exposure is best.

Most experts recommend avoiding tanning beds and sun lamps, and as with most cancers, smoking increases your risk of developing skin cancer.

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