Michael Clarke, a former captain of the Australian cricket team, has recently shared his harrowing experience with a cancer scare that has left him shaken. The cricket legend underwent surgery to remove a dangerous basal cell carcinoma from his chest, a procedure that required 27 stitches.

Clarke, who is now 42, has been candid about his fears surrounding the diagnosis.

'It does scare me,' he admitted in an interview. 'I am a dad... I don't want to go anywhere. The most important thing in the world is making sure I help my seven-year-old daughter (Kelsey Lee) and, I guess, set a good example for her.'

The cricket icon's family has a history of cancer, with his grandfather dying of bowel cancer and his father battling both prostate cancer and Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Clarke himself has had multiple cancers removed since his first diagnosis in 2006, including a cancerous growth on his forehead just last year.

Michael Clarke spent plenty of time in the sun during his cricket career and now wants to raise awareness around sun safety. Image source: Shutterstock.

The revelation has brought to light the potential dangers of prolonged sun exposure, a risk that Clarke, like many professional athletes, has been exposed to throughout his career. Over his 115 Tests and 245 one-day internationals for Australia, Clarke has spent countless hours under the sun.

In response to his experience, Clarke has taken on a new role as a national ambassador for the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation.

'I am excited to partner with the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation to not only spread the word on skin safety but to help share the importance of sun protection, getting checked and remembering prevention is better than cure,' Clarke said in a statement.

Clarke is using his platform to educate others about the dangers of sun exposure, particularly in Australia, where the sun's rays are especially potent.

'Everyone needs to be aware of the danger of the sun all around the world, but particularly in this country. This is not just about being safe, this is about saving lives,' he emphasised.

As part of his ambassadorship, Clarke will assist in the national rollout of 'Skin Check' trucks, an initiative launched by the Skin Cancer Foundation. These trucks, the first of their kind in Australia, will travel to remote communities to perform free skin checks, making early detection and prevention more accessible to those who may not have easy access to healthcare facilities.

Skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma like Clarke's, is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. It's primarily caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. In Australia, where the UV index is often high, the risk is particularly pronounced.

There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma, the type Clarke had, is the most common but least dangerous form. It grows slowly and rarely spreads beyond the original tumour site. However, if left untreated, it can grow deep beneath the skin into the underlying tissue and bone, causing serious damage.

Clarke's experience serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular skin checks, particularly for those who spend a lot of time outdoors. Early detection is key in treating skin cancer effectively, and regular self-examinations and professional skin checks can save lives.

As we age, the risk of developing skin cancer increases, making it even more crucial for older Australians to be vigilant about sun protection and regular skin checks.

Key Takeaways

• Former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke has undergone an operation to remove a dangerous basal cell carcinoma from his chest.
• Clarke has a family history of cancer, with his father battling prostate cancer and Hodgkin's lymphoma, his grandfather dying from bowel cancer, and Clarke himself having several cancers removed since his first diagnosis in 2006.
• With awareness of the amount of sun exposure experienced during his cricket career, Clarke has joined the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation as a national ambassador.
• Clarke is helping to promote 'sun safe' messages and assist in the national rollout of 'Skin Check' trucks, offering free skin checks to remote communities.

Have you had a skin check recently? Share your experiences and tips for sun safety in the comments below!

 

[Suzanne rose]

I actually want to have a skin check but where do we go for this

 

[Rosscoesmiff]

I’ve had 5 BCC’s removed and the Doctor and Surgeon have successfully removed them. After years of not covering up and applying a zinc based sunscreen, this has come to bite me. So, PLEASE, skin checks and sunscreen.
Surgeon told me that 30+ and 50+ only filter out certain light frequencies, whereas a zinc based sunscreen gets almost the lot.

 

[Littleboy8]

Michael Clarke, a former captain of the Australian cricket team, has recently shared his harrowing experience with a cancer scare that has left him shaken. The cricket legend underwent surgery to remove a dangerous basal cell carcinoma from his chest, a procedure that required 27 stitches.

Clarke, who is now 42, has been candid about his fears surrounding the diagnosis.

'It does scare me,' he admitted in an interview. 'I am a dad... I don't want to go anywhere. The most important thing in the world is making sure I help my seven-year-old daughter (Kelsey Lee) and, I guess, set a good example for her.'

The cricket icon's family has a history of cancer, with his grandfather dying of bowel cancer and his father battling both prostate cancer and Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Clarke himself has had multiple cancers removed since his first diagnosis in 2006, including a cancerous growth on his forehead just last year.

View attachment 34141

Michael Clarke spent plenty of time in the sun during his cricket career and now wants to raise awareness around sun safety. Image source: Shutterstock.

The revelation has brought to light the potential dangers of prolonged sun exposure, a risk that Clarke, like many professional athletes, has been exposed to throughout his career. Over his 115 Tests and 245 one-day internationals for Australia, Clarke has spent countless hours under the sun.

In response to his experience, Clarke has taken on a new role as a national ambassador for the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation.

'I am excited to partner with the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation to not only spread the word on skin safety but to help share the importance of sun protection, getting checked and remembering prevention is better than cure,' Clarke said in a statement.

Clarke is using his platform to educate others about the dangers of sun exposure, particularly in Australia, where the sun's rays are especially potent.

'Everyone needs to be aware of the danger of the sun all around the world, but particularly in this country. This is not just about being safe, this is about saving lives,' he emphasised.

As part of his ambassadorship, Clarke will assist in the national rollout of 'Skin Check' trucks, an initiative launched by the Skin Cancer Foundation. These trucks, the first of their kind in Australia, will travel to remote communities to perform free skin checks, making early detection and prevention more accessible to those who may not have easy access to healthcare facilities.

Skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma like Clarke's, is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. It's primarily caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. In Australia, where the UV index is often high, the risk is particularly pronounced.

There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma, the type Clarke had, is the most common but least dangerous form. It grows slowly and rarely spreads beyond the original tumour site. However, if left untreated, it can grow deep beneath the skin into the underlying tissue and bone, causing serious damage.

Clarke's experience serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular skin checks, particularly for those who spend a lot of time outdoors. Early detection is key in treating skin cancer effectively, and regular self-examinations and professional skin checks can save lives.

As we age, the risk of developing skin cancer increases, making it even more crucial for older Australians to be vigilant about sun protection and regular skin checks.

Key Takeaways

• Former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke has undergone an operation to remove a dangerous basal cell carcinoma from his chest.
• Clarke has a family history of cancer, with his father battling prostate cancer and Hodgkin's lymphoma, his grandfather dying from bowel cancer, and Clarke himself having several cancers removed since his first diagnosis in 2006.
• With awareness of the amount of sun exposure experienced during his cricket career, Clarke has joined the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation as a national ambassador.
• Clarke is helping to promote 'sun safe' messages and assist in the national rollout of 'Skin Check' trucks, offering free skin checks to remote communities.

Have you had a skin check recently? Share your experiences and tips for sun safety in the comments below!

My sis went to her doc and he took a cancer thingy off her shoulder. She goes back every year for checks.

 

[EllieN]

Right from an early age, encourage your kids to look after their skin. I never wore shirts or shoes as a kid, and did a lot of long distance running for 20 odd years, hence flogged my skin in the sun.
From my early 40s to now, I get 6 monthly check with the dermatologist. His find on me on a good day is about 4 BCC’s, and a bad day 12 or so BCC’s. fortunately I have not had any melanomas, but have had a few suspected ones.
Go regularly.

 

[Macarj]

I actually want to have a skin check but where do we go for this

I thought most larger towns had cancer clinics

 

[Reet]

Michael Clarke, a former captain of the Australian cricket team, has recently shared his harrowing experience with a cancer scare that has left him shaken. The cricket legend underwent surgery to remove a dangerous basal cell carcinoma from his chest, a procedure that required 27 stitches.

Clarke, who is now 42, has been candid about his fears surrounding the diagnosis.

'It does scare me,' he admitted in an interview. 'I am a dad... I don't want to go anywhere. The most important thing in the world is making sure I help my seven-year-old daughter (Kelsey Lee) and, I guess, set a good example for her.'

The cricket icon's family has a history of cancer, with his grandfather dying of bowel cancer and his father battling both prostate cancer and Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Clarke himself has had multiple cancers removed since his first diagnosis in 2006, including a cancerous growth on his forehead just last year.

View attachment 34141

Michael Clarke spent plenty of time in the sun during his cricket career and now wants to raise awareness around sun safety. Image source: Shutterstock.

The revelation has brought to light the potential dangers of prolonged sun exposure, a risk that Clarke, like many professional athletes, has been exposed to throughout his career. Over his 115 Tests and 245 one-day internationals for Australia, Clarke has spent countless hours under the sun.

In response to his experience, Clarke has taken on a new role as a national ambassador for the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation.

'I am excited to partner with the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation to not only spread the word on skin safety but to help share the importance of sun protection, getting checked and remembering prevention is better than cure,' Clarke said in a statement.

Clarke is using his platform to educate others about the dangers of sun exposure, particularly in Australia, where the sun's rays are especially potent.

'Everyone needs to be aware of the danger of the sun all around the world, but particularly in this country. This is not just about being safe, this is about saving lives,' he emphasised.

As part of his ambassadorship, Clarke will assist in the national rollout of 'Skin Check' trucks, an initiative launched by the Skin Cancer Foundation. These trucks, the first of their kind in Australia, will travel to remote communities to perform free skin checks, making early detection and prevention more accessible to those who may not have easy access to healthcare facilities.

Skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma like Clarke's, is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. It's primarily caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. In Australia, where the UV index is often high, the risk is particularly pronounced.

There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma, the type Clarke had, is the most common but least dangerous form. It grows slowly and rarely spreads beyond the original tumour site. However, if left untreated, it can grow deep beneath the skin into the underlying tissue and bone, causing serious damage.

Clarke's experience serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular skin checks, particularly for those who spend a lot of time outdoors. Early detection is key in treating skin cancer effectively, and regular self-examinations and professional skin checks can save lives.

As we age, the risk of developing skin cancer increases, making it even more crucial for older Australians to be vigilant about sun protection and regular skin checks.

Key Takeaways

• Former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke has undergone an operation to remove a dangerous basal cell carcinoma from his chest.
• Clarke has a family history of cancer, with his father battling prostate cancer and Hodgkin's lymphoma, his grandfather dying from bowel cancer, and Clarke himself having several cancers removed since his first diagnosis in 2006.
• With awareness of the amount of sun exposure experienced during his cricket career, Clarke has joined the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation as a national ambassador.
• Clarke is helping to promote 'sun safe' messages and assist in the national rollout of 'Skin Check' trucks, offering free skin checks to remote communities.

Have you had a skin check recently? Share your experiences and tips for sun safety in the comments below!

My prayers are with Michael for a positive recovery and long life to follow. I know how scary cancer can be but in my case I was diagnosed when it was very small and so far (fingers crossed) it hasn't come back. I have been OK for 21 years now and hope that is the end of it for me.

 

[maggiej]

My husband had what was thought to be a mouth ulcer on his lip and was given medication to help but it got worse and grew so he went to a Molescan doctor after a biopsy was done it was found to be a very serious cancer but it took three months before they could do the operation and it was getting . All seems to be ok but he is left with a skin graft on the inside and outside of the lip meaning he now has to use a straw to drink anything otherwise it dribbles out and as for eating he is managing that now that it has all healed. It amazes me that these well known people are advertising all their woes on social media as there are many people going through these health problems. My husband always wore a hat when working but still got these cancers and he has had many from his face with radiation as well.

 

[magpie1]

Well done to Michael Clarke for joining the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation as National Ambassador and help promoting Sun Safe messages and assisting in the National roll out of 'Skin Check' Trucks. What a great initiative this is.....it will give many in remote areas the chance to get checked out for any signs of Skin Cancers and offer treatment recommendations as well. With summer fast approaching it is a healthy reminder to ourselves to see your Doctor and have your skin check done also. I have regular annual checks with mine and over the last few years I have had about 8 spots examined/removed in my Doctors surgery.....thankfully they all came back as negative. We all should get checked every year.

 

[Jest]

sorry, i am over these ones coming out of the woodwork with their bcc's. I have now had so many scc's removed it has just become common practice. I do not take this lightly. I have just had 3 biopsies 2 on my neck 1 by my eyebrow. I have one by my ear which i am going to go to sleep for. These people are no different to you or I. It is hard to believe that a patient would not ask their GP what where and how.