Former Australia captain Michael Clarke on August 27 gave a major health update on social media, informing that he got the skin cancer removed from his nose, thanks to early detection. Clarke cautioned fellow Australians and and advises them to get regular check-ups done to prevent from spread of cancer.
"Skin cancer is real! Especially in Australia. 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 @drbishsoliman_ got it early. @australianskincancerfoundation," Clarke wrote on Instagram.
Almost a decade ago, Clarke was first diagnosed with spin cancer. In 2019, he had another bout with skin cancer and won after three non-melanoma lesions were detected.
Clarke on his battles with skin cancer
Clarke has been vocal about his struggles with the cancer. At one point, he did not want to step out of the house.
"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 (Kelsey Lee) and I guess set a good example for her," he had told Daily Mail.
"To me, making sure I am putting sunscreen on so she can see it is not just me getting her to do it, it is dad doing it as well."
Clarke ensures he gets his skin checked twice a year. In 2023, he joined forces with Australian Skin Cancer Foundation as well.
“Just about every time I need to get things zapped off my body, particular my face because I’ve spent so much time in the sun," Clarke told Sunrise.
“I’ve probably had 20 skin cancers cut out of my body. I get nervous but I think the advantage is I went from quite a young age so now I know, minimum twice a year I’ll make sure I go and get checked.
“Peace of mind is so important. Australian summer, this sun here is as strong as anywhere in the world."
Clarke’s career numbers
Clarke is often sharing his opinion on the sport via his YouTube channel. He appears on podcasts as well. He interviewed India ODI captain Rohit Sharma a few months ago.
Clarke made his ODI, Test and T20I debut in 2003, 2004 and 2005 respectively. He led Australia to ODI World Cup 2015 win at home. From 115 Tests, he has 8,643 runs at an average of 49.10, including 28 centuries and 27 fifties. From 245 ODIs, he has 7,981 runs at an average of 44.58, including eight centuries and 58 fifties. In T20Is, he has just one half-century to his name. From 34 T20I games, he has scored 488 runs at an average of 21.21 and strike rate of 103.17.