Michael Clarke urges Aussies to get skin checks amid melanoma battle
Michael Clarke has opened up about his ongoing battle with skin cancer to urge Aussies to get skin checks.
The cricket legend spoke out about the importance of getting skin checks just four weeks after he had a melanoma cut out of his nose.
Clarke has previously discussed his ongoing issues with skin cancer, having several cut out of his body since he was a teenager.
Weeks after having a melanoma cut out of his nose, Michael Clarke has urged Aussies to get skin checks. Nine
"I get checked regularly now," he told Today.
"I had my first skin cancer when I was 19, so I just had one cut out of my nose four weeks ago."
The Aussie sporting legend was representing the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation, urging people to get their free skin checks.
The foundation will be taking its truck around the country, offering free skin checks to passersby.
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"I had my first skin cancer when I was 19, so I just had one cut out of my nose four weeks ago." Getty
"You'd be surprised how many people walk through and find out they've got a melanoma, it saves their life," he said.
Clarke himself gets check-ups every six months.
"It's about making sure you check, if there's a spot you're unsure about, go see your GP, have your skin checked, see your dermatologist if need be."
"I think that's the most important thing, don't wait, go get checked straight away."
He is open about his struggles with skin cancer, previously telling the Kyle and Jackie O Show that he has dealt with it "for years," including before he was a professional cricket player.
"I've had a number cut out of my face," he said at the time.
"I remember speaking to Mum and Dad about growing up as a kid playing sport."
"I was like, 'Mum, I've had so many [skin cancers] cut out now, did you guys not put sunscreen on me?'
Clarke shared his latest melanoma removal on Instagram. Instagram/@michaelclarkeofficial
"Mum said, 'No, we definitely did.' The difference between now and when I was a kid, she thinks we probably didn't reapply as consistently as what we do now.
"When you're playing sports, you sweat it off."
The cricket star also explained how his skin cancer is treated.
"The sunspots, I get frozen. Normally, if they're basal cell I get them cut out ... I think I've had seven cut out of my face."
The cricket star also explained how his skin cancer is treated. Getty
Clarke recently shared via Instagram that he'd had a melanoma cut out of his nose, warning others to stay vigilant.
"Skin cancer is real! Especially in Australia," the caption reads.
"Another one cut out of my nose today. A friendly reminder to get your skin checked.
"Prevention is better than cure but in my case, regular check-ups and early detection is key. So grateful that."
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