Hugh Jackman Shares Sweet Video Through Covid-19
- Skin cancer survivor and Tony-nominee Hugh Jackman shares on social media that he’s finding ways to pass the time while fighting Covid-19.
- Jackman first developed skin cancer in 2013 and has battled the disease six times.
- Minimize your skin cancer risk by wearing daily sunscreen and avoiding the sun during peak hours.
The Sydney, Australia, native, playfully writes on Instagram, “Things to do when you have covid. Again. Clean out your iPhone photos and videos. #bloppers #debs”
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Hugh Jackman’s Skin Cancer Battle
The Tony nominee and star of The Music Man is a seasoned skin cancer fighter and survivor. He was first diagnosed with skin cancer in 2013, and he's battled the disease six times. As a result, Jackman is extra conscientious about protecting his skin. He is outspoken about cancer prevention, encouraging others to wear sunscreen daily and check their skin.
The actor was previously diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, or "BCC." This is the most commonly diagnosed skin cancer in the U.S.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), 5.4 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the U.S. Jackman's most recent battle with basal cell carcinoma was in 2017.
Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen daily, avoiding tanning beds, and staying out of the sunlight during peak hours.
Which Sunscreen Should I Choose To Prevent Cancer?
The Covid-19 Vaccine for Cancer Patients
Cancer survivors like Hugh Jackman should get the vaccine for Covid-19 if they are able to do so.
Some treatments for cancer, such as chemotherapy, blunt the immune system, meaning a person with cancer could be more likely to contract Covid-19. People battling cancer should get the Covid-19 vaccine too if they're eligible and able. One of the few populations that may be advised not to get the vaccine is people battling blood cancer. If you're among this group, speak with your oncologist about the best course of action for you.
Dr. Vincent Rajkumar, a doctor from the Mayo Clinic, spoke in an earlier interview about the importance of getting vaccinated if you have cancer. He also assures people of vaccine safety, saying, "It is very safe and there is no increased risk to you just because you have cancer."
"As long as you are feeling well, just go ahead with the vaccine whenever it's offered to you. Sometimes even on the same day if you are going to the clinic to get a small dose of chemotherapy and they're giving the vaccine, just get it, there's really no major problem," Dr. Rajkumar says. "The only people for whom we are saying to delay by a month or two are patients who have had a stem cell transplant because we have wiped out (the patients' immune system). And so you want to wait until some of the recovery happens so when you give the vaccine, they have an immune response."
Having a Supportive Partner Through Cancer & Covid
We love how Hugh Jackman and wife Deb are so cute together in their blooper video shared by the Aussie actor.
Having a supportive partner or spouse through a cancer battle can help. In an earlier interview, actress and melanoma survivor Jill Kargman candidly expresses how she believes that cancer can be a litmus test for the strength of a relationship.
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She says, "I think cancer is a great way to find out if you're with the love of your life or a shithead. I think it presses the fast forward button on getting to the bottom of that answer, because a lot of people in middle age are kind of at a crossroads, waiting for their kids to fly the coop."
Kargman continues, "And I think if you're with someone who is not supportive and kind of emotionally checked out or doesn't tell you you're still beautiful with that, this might not be your person."
Jill Kargman on Relationships and Cancer
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