X-Men star Hugh Jackman urges people to use sunscreen after having cancerous growth removed from his face

X-Men star Hugh Jackman has called on people to use sunscreen after having a cancerous growth removed from his face.

The 47-year-old actor posted a picture on social media of his nose covered with a plaster with the caption: "An example of what happens when you don't use sunscreen. Basal cell. Mildest form of cancer. USE SUNSCREEN PLEASE."

The picture has been shared thousands of times with fans sending their best wishes to the actor.

Jackman has had other basal cell growths removed in the last two years, resulting in him attending worldwide premieres of X-Men: Days of Future Past with a bandage on his nose.

A basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer. There are two main types of skin cancer: melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. BCC is a non-melanoma skin cancer, and is the most common type.

The British Skin Foundation says the common cause of BCC is too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or from sun beds.