Michael Clarke reveals serious health scare
Michael Clarke has opened up about a terrifying health scare, which left him needing surgery.
The former Australian cricket captain has spoken candidly about discovering a dangerous basal cell carcinoma in his chest, which left him 27 stitches after surgery to remove it.
The 42-year-old said being diagnosed with cancer was a major wake up call.
“It does scare me,” Clarke told The Daily Telegraph.
“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."
“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 has had a number of cancers removed since his first diagnosis in 2006, and just last year had a skin cancer removed from his forehead.
His extensive history of skin cancer could be a result of spending a lot of time in the sun over his 115 Tests and 245 one-day internationals for Australia, as Clarke pointed out.
For that reason, he has recently joined the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation as a national ambassador.
“I am excited to partner with the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation to not only spread the word on skin safety, but to help share the importance of sun protection, getting checked and remembering prevention is better than cure,” Clarke said in a statement.
“I know first-hand how important these factors are and I am passionate about raising awareness on this vital subject."
“Everyone needs to be aware of the danger of the sun all around the world, but particularly in this country. This is not just about being safe, this is about saving lives.”
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