Ex-Australia captain Clarke says cricket contributed to skin cancer diagnosis

07 November 2023 , 10:32

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Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has opened up on his latest battle with skin cancer (Image: Getty Images)

Former Australia test captain Michael Clarke has admitted he is scared he won’t be around for his daughter, after undergoing more surgery on skin cancers.

Clarke, 42, has opened up on his diagnosis after he had a dangerous basal cell carcinoma removed from his chest. He required 27 stitches after his latest operation, having gone under the knife multiple times in the past, including last year when he had cancerous cells removed from his forehead.

And the cricketing legend has spoken candidly about the fear that he could have time with his young daughter snatched away from him. “It does scare me. I am a dad – I don't want to go anywhere,” he told the Daily Telegraph.

“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. 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 turned out 115 times in test match cricket for the Baggy Greens, with another 245 in ODI matches. And he attributes his issues to spending long days in the scorching sun around the world.

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“I am not surprised that a lot of cricketers have had skin cancers because you spend a lot of time in the sun,” he added.

“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.

“I have been in the sun my entire career. I’ve always been disciplined with putting sunscreen on, my parents were too. The part I guess I haven’t been disciplined with was reapplying. All through my career I put sunscreen on but you sweat it off.”

Michael Clarke had a cancerous cell removed from his forehead last year

Clarke was first diagnosed with skin cancer in 2006 and has battled it several times since and has since joined the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation in an ambassadorial role.

“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.”

Ben Husband