Hugh Jackman, best known as Wolverine in the X-Men film series, may play a superhuman, but the 53-year-old is just like anybody else regarding cancer. The celebrity has battled the condition several times.

Hugh Jackman was diagnosed with skin cancer for the first time in 2013; he has now been diagnosed with the same illness six times. Last year, the father of two had another biopsy to remove the malignant tumour.

“First and foremost, thank you, everyone, for your tremendous support,” Jackman wrote on social media. Jackman, photographed with a plaster on his nose, continued, “I got so much support for the biopsy I just had.”

“If it’s anything, it’s a basal cell carcinoma, which isn’t life-threatening but should be treated.”

The award-winning actor – who took home the Australian Star of the Year in 1999 – encouraged everybody to “use sunscreen; get a skin check whenever you can”.

Cancer of the basal cell (BCC)

Experts at The Skin Cancer Foundation pointed out that a BCC is the “most frequent form of skin cancer”.

BCCs occur from irregular, uncontrolled growth of basal cells, but most grow slowly and hence are treatable “when detected and treated early”.

What exactly is a basal cell?

Basal cells are one of the most common types of cells present in the skin’s top layer; these skin cells shed when new ones form.

What is the etiology of basal cell carcinoma?

UV (ultraviolet) light from the sun can cause DNA damage, resulting in uncontrolled basal cell proliferation.

How hazardous are BCCs?

Lesions can grow and become “disfiguring” even if they rarely extend beyond the original tumor location.

If left untreated, the lesion can spread far and broad into the skin, killing not only the skin but also tissue and bone.

“Follow your instincts and see your dermatologist if you notice anything new, different, or weird on your skin,” the doctors advised.

“If you’ve once had a BCC, you’re more likely to have another, especially in the same or surrounding sun-damaged area.”

Even after the diseased tumor has been surgically removed, some cancer cells may remain unnoticed.

Jackman would be well aware of this, having dealt with the reoccurring disease on numerous occasions.

“BCCs on the nose, ears, and lips are more likely to reoccur, typically within the first two years after surgery,” according to The Skin Cancer Foundation.

Because of quick treatment, Jackman’s malignant tumors have not destroyed his appearance.

Jackman is all smiles in a recent photo with his adored wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, as the couple heads out to see Serena Williams compete in the US Open.

Because he is well aware that skin cancer can recur – even for the sixth time – the actor is meticulous about inspecting his own skin.

And the actor invites everyone else to be just as mindful of their own bodies.