Hugh Jackman

'The Wolverine' star posted a photograph of his bandaged nose on Instagram, explaining to fans that he recently had skin cancer removed from his face.

The 45-year-old revealed it was his wife Deborra-Lee Furness who encouraged him to get the "mark" on his nose checked.

He wrote: "Boy, was she right! I had basil cell carcinoma.

"Please don't be foolish like me. Get yourself checked. And USE sunscreen!!!"

Fans were quite to wish the star a quick recovery, with one posting: "I have had two melanomas removed and had to get lymph nodes checked to make sure it didn't spread. Scary stuff!! Healing thoughts for you!"

Another supportive fan wrote: "Thank God you caught it early."

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, an estimated 2.8 million cases of basil cell carcinoma are diagnosed in the US each year, and it is the most frequently occurring form of all cancers.

Treatment options include removing the tumor, radiation and topical medicine, among others.

Hugh and director James Mangold - who helmed 'The Wolverine' this year - have entered negotiations with Twentieth Century Fox about returning for another installment of the superhero franchise.