Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness
Actor Hugh Jackman (L) and his wife Deborra-Lee FurnessReuters

Hugh Jackman recently got treated for skin cancer. Apparently, the actor had a Basal Cell Carcinoma (cancerous cells that grow on the surface of the skin) removed from his nose, after his wife Deborah asked him to get it checked.

Posting a picture of his bandaged nose on Instagram, Jackman captioned the photo:

"Deb said to get the mark on my nose checked. Boy, was she right! I had a basil cell carcinoma. Please don't be foolish like me. Get yourself checked. And USE sunscreen!!!"

The National Institutes of Health claims that the Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of cancer in the United States. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that about 2.8 million people in the US are diagnosed with the cancer every year.

Though this type of cancer rarely spreads, it can damage the surrounding tissues and disfigure the part. According to Medicine Plus, the cancer is highly prevalent in people over 40 but can occur in young people too. Those who have blue, green or gray eyes, light-coloured skin, blond or red hair, sunburns, too many moles or family history are more susceptible to this kind of cancer.

Jackman's representatives did not have any details about the actor's medical condition. However, the New York Daily News speculates that the diagnosis must have come in a few days, as Jackman was spotted riding a bike on the roads of NYC with a patch on the bridge of his nose.

Fans have been sending love and wishes to the actor, as soon as his post appeared on the social networking sites. The Skin Cancer Foundation also thanked Jackman for raising awareness on the cancer, tweeting to the actor.

Jackman is enjoying some time off for himself and his family now. He revealed to the Daily News earlier in June that he would be taking off the rest of the year, after shooting four movies continuously. His latest flick, ‘Prisoners’ did pretty well at the box office and Jackman was lauded for his performance too.

Jackman’s next movie, “X-Men: Days of Future Past” is slated to hit theatres May 2014. The trailer is looking pretty good. Check it out below: