Michael Clarke, the former Australian cricket captain, has recently shared details about his ongoing battle with skin cancer, revealing that he has undergone multiple surgeries to remove cancerous lesions from his face and body. Clarke, who led Australia to victory in the 2015 Cricket World Cup, first received a skin cancer diagnosis in 2006 and has been vigilant about monitoring his skin health ever since.
In a recent interview on "The Kyle and Jackie O Show," the 44-year-old Clarke disclosed the extent of his fight, stating, "I've got a number cut out of my face... I think I've had seven cut out of my face. You can't hide them". He mentioned that he had a procedure performed on his nose just four weeks prior to the interview and visits his dermatologist every six months for check-ups. Clarke also explained that sunspots are typically frozen, while basal cell carcinomas are surgically removed.
Clarke has been using his public platform to raise awareness about skin cancer. In August, he posted a photo on Instagram showing a bandage on his nose after a recent procedure, urging his followers to get their skin checked. He tagged his doctor, Bish Soliman, calling him "the best in the business". In 2019, Clarke shared a photo with stitches on his forehead, reminding everyone that "Skin cancer is real! Especially in Australia," and emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups and early detection.
Clarke attributes his condition to the significant amount of time he spent in the sun during his cricket career. He described the exposure cricketers face, particularly when playing in countries like India: "Imagine fielding all day in India, out there for eight hours in the sun, a lot of the guys are wearing the baggy green cap so you are not protecting your ears or your face. You've got short-sleeved shirts, so your arms and the tops of your hands (are exposed)".
Clarke's health concerns have fueled his desire to be present for his young daughter, Kelsey Lee. "It does scare me. 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 and I guess set a good example for her," Clarke told the Daily Telegraph in 2023.
Clarke's openness about his skin cancer journey aims to encourage others to take preventative measures and prioritize their skin health. He joined the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation in 2023 to further amplify this message. He had his first skin cancer scare in 2006, during his playing days and has had regular check-ups ever since. In 2006, he was diagnosed with three non-melanoma lesions.
Michael Clarke joins a growing list of cricketers who have battled skin cancer, including Richie Benaud, Sam Billings, Andy Flower, and Lauren Cheatle, highlighting the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure in the sport.
