‘I’ve had seven cut outs’ - Michael Clarke opens up on battling skin cancer

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has opened up about his ongoing battle with skin cancer, revealing that he has undergone multiple procedures to remove cancerous spots from his face and continues to consult a dermatologist every six months for treatment.

Clarke first had skin cancer removed in 2006, during his playing days for Australia, and has since made regular check-ups a part of his routine. Having dealt with the issue for many years, Clarke has now come to terms with the fact that it is something he will need to monitor for the rest of his life.

In 2023, Clarke joined the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation to help raise awareness about the importance of early detection and regular skin examinations, using his platform to encourage others to take sun safety and skin health seriously.

“I’ve got a number of cut outs on my face. I had one about four weeks ago off my nose. I see my dermatologist every six months. The sunspots get frozen. Normally, if they’re basal cells I get them cut out. I think I’ve had seven cuts cut out of my face. You can’t hide them,” Clarke said on ‘The Kyle and Jackie O’ show.

In August, Clarke took to social media to share the update, reminding fans of the importance of regular check-ups and sun protection. Clarke’s first skin cancer scare dates back to 2006, when doctors discovered suspicious spots on his face. He promptly underwent surgery to have the spots removed from his face and chest, and in the following years, he required additional procedures to eliminate cancerous growths from his chest and forehead.

Clarke has often acknowledged that his prolonged exposure to the sun throughout his cricketing career increased his vulnerability to the condition. In 2019, Clarke revealed that he had another skin cancer removed from his forehead, years after being diagnosed with three non-melanoma lesions in 2006. He even shared a picture of himself with stitches on his forehead, accompanied by a heartfelt message urging youngsters to prioritise skin health and regular check-ups.

One of Australia’s most successful captains, Clarke led his country to victory in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup before retiring from international cricket. Over a stellar career, he represented Australia in 115 Tests, 245 ODIs, and 34 T20Is, amassing more than 17,000 runs across formats.