Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has revealed that he has undergone another surgery to remove skin cancer, urging fans to prioritise health checkups and stay vigilant about safety.

He expressed gratitude via Instagram on Wednesday to share a photograph of himself after the procedure, along with a candid message about the importance of preventing skin 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,” wrote Michael Clarke.

This is not Clarke’s first battle with the illness. According to reports, the former Test captain was first diagnosed in 2006 and has since had about a dozen cancers removed.

Last year, he underwent surgery for a basal cell carcinoma on his chest, while in 2023 he had further procedures to remove cancers from his forehead and face.

In 2023, Clarke also teamed up with the Australian skin cancer Foundation to raise awareness, later telling Sunrise that he tries to have full skins checks twice year.

According to survey, Australia has one of the highest number of people will be diagnosed with figures showing that two out three Australians will be diagnosed by the disease by the age of 70.

Clarke has remains a towering figure in Australian cricket. Between 2003 and 2015, he represented his country in 115 tests, 245 ODIs and 34 T20Is scoring 8463 test runs and 7981 in ODIs.

He also claimed 94 wickets across formats. He has also captained Australia in 74 tests and 139 ODIs, leading the team to a 5-0 Ashes in 2013-14 and to the World Cup title in 2015.

Earlier this year he was inducted into Australia’s Hall of Fame during Cricket Australia awards.

He was named as the ICC Cricketer of the Year and ICC Test Cricketer of the year after a profilic run with the bat during 2013.