Jackman's Biopsy Inconclusive
- Hugh Jackman, 52, shares with fans in a new video that his recent biopsy was inconclusive.
- For his skin biopsy, its inconclusivity means “they didn't take enough [skin for the biopsy]” says Jackman; he shares that he’ll get another biopsy when he’s done with filming.
- Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in the U.S., and you can protect yourself and lower your skin cancer risk by taking prevention steps, like wearing sunscreen daily.
He captions the video writing, “Update on my biopsy: It's comeback "inconclusive". This means they didn't take enough. That said, the worst it can be is a Basel Cell Carcinoma (BCC). So when I'm done filming, I'll have it rechecked.”
Read MoreView this post on InstagramHe continues, “I know I'm repeating myself and will probably not stop … please get skin checks and wear sunscreen. Thank you all for so much support. I'm seeing your comments and stories. If by posting about this I remind one person to go see their dermatologist – I'm happy.”
The actor was previously diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, or "BCC." This is the most commonly diagnosed skin cancer in the U.S.
When Results Are Inconclusive
After Jackman thanked fans for their support, he explained that while his results are inconclusive, his doctors, Trevor and Lisa, are not worried. Due to the inconclusivity of the results, Jackman says he’ll need to get another biopsy when he’s done with filming.
This is not Jackman’s first rodeo when it comes to skin biopsies. He was first diagnosed with skin cancer in 2013, and he's successfully battled it six times. As a result of previous bouts with skin cancer, Jackman regularly has skin checks.
Biopsy delays or inconclusive biopsies can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety. Try to remind yourself, though, that there are multiple reasons this can happen. The American Cancer Society (ACS) points out these causes for delays or inconclusivity:
- Technical reasons for delays in biopsy processing.
- Needing to look at more tissue (as Jackman experienced).
- Sometimes special stains or additional tests may be needed to make an accurate diagnosis.
- A second opinion is needed by an expert.
The Biopsy Helps Identify Staging and Treatment for Melanoma
Protecting Your Skin
As Jackman urges his fans to do protecting your skin by wearing sunscreen and getting skin checks is so important. Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in the U.S., and you can protect yourself and lower your skin cancer risk by taking prevention steps.
In an earlier interview, dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman outlines five easy ways to protect your skin, and lower your skin cancer risk. She tells us:
- Avoid sun during peak hours. This means from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It doesn't mean you should never go outside during the middle of the day, but make sure you're protected when you do venture outdoors.
- Cover your skin and eyes. A wide brim hat and sun glasses will protect your face, the top of your head, your ears, and the delicate skin around your eyes.
- Affirming Jackman's advice with her third and fourth points, she says: Wear an SPF of 30 or higher. Plenty of facial moisturizers have SPF built into them. Reapply often.
- Get an annual skin check. You can check your own skin for anything that looks out of the ordinary, but you should still get a yearly check to make sure you didn't miss anything. If you do happen to notice anything out of the ordinary in between checks, schedule an appointment to talk to your doctor about it ASAP it is always worth it to make sure.
- Avoid tanning beds. "There's absolutely no benefit to going to a tanning bed," Dr. Engelman says.
Top 5 Ways to Protect Your Skin From Skin Cancer
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