NiHugh Jackman is an Australian actor who has a lot of fans. The video shared by Jackman the other day about Basal Cell Carcinoma, a cancer that affects the skin, was widely noticed. Jackman shared the video after the biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, known as BCC. Jackman, who has a bandage around his nose, has shared about the disease and the importance of using sunscreen through Instagram.
Jackman says that things that happened twenty-five years ago are now coming out in this form and don’t forget to use sunscreen when you go out in the sun. Later, the actor shared through his Instagram story that the biopsy result was negative. He also noted the importance of using sunscreen. Jackman was first diagnosed with skin cancer in 2013.
What is basal cell carcinoma?
It is a skin cancer. A basal cell is a type of cell that produces new skin cells as old ones die. They often appear as a small swelling on the skin. Basal cell carcinoma is more likely to affect areas like the head and neck that are exposed to direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation increases the risk of disease. Changes in the DNA of the basal cells of the skin lead to cancer.
Symptoms
Symptoms are manifested by changes in the skin. Be careful if there is swelling of the skin or a wound that has not healed for a long time. Swelling can also appear pink or pearly white in color. In dark skinned people it will be brown or glossy black. Bleeding can sometimes be seen from the swelling. Black, brown and blue lesions should be noted.
Risks
Prolonged exposure to the sun increases the risk of the disease. White skinned people are more prone to this cancer. Those who have previously had basal cell carcinoma are at risk of recurrence. Basal cell cancer can occur even if a family member has a history of skin cancer. People who take medications that suppress the immune system are also at risk of this cancer. People who interact with the chemical arsenic are also at risk. And some rare genetic diseases increase the risk of basal cell carcinoma.
The challenge is that even if the disease is treated and cured, it may come back frequently and once basal cell carcinoma is present, there is a risk of other skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma. Very rarely, basal cell cancer spreads to other parts of the body, such as the bones and lungs.
Defense
Avoid extreme sun exposure as much as possible. Try to adjust your working hours accordingly.
- Make it a habit to apply sunscreen cream when going out. Be sure to choose sunscreens with at least SPF30. Make sure to reapply them every two hours.
- Care should also be taken in choosing clothing to avoid overexposure to the sun. Clothes should be worn in such a way that the limbs and other parts are covered so as not to be exposed to excessive sunlight.
- Seek professional advice as soon as you notice any unusual symptoms or changes in your skin.