Explaining Melanoma to Her Children

Hey Outlouders! For this week's Sunday Special, we're dropping an exclusive episode of our sister podcast Well into your feed, featuring Australia's golden girl, Tammy Hembrow. Tune in for her first-ever detailed public discussion about her melanoma diagnosis...

When you build your brand on the sun-kissed Gold Coast lifestyle, in some ways, the sun is your business partner. For global icon and fitness entrepreneur Tammy Hembrow, spending her life at the beach without ever wearing sunscreen was the norm. She thought she “never burned” and was convinced she was “immune” to the dangers of the sun.  

At 28, that all changed. A tiny, harmless-looking freckle on the back of her leg led to a shocking melanoma diagnosis.

In this raw and honest interview, Tammy Hembrow sits down with Claire Murphy and shares her story of the skin cancer diagnosis that blindsided her. She reveals how she cancelled her skin check appointment "about five times" before her assistant finally made her go, the shock of learning the freckle was melanoma, and the surprising reality of the surgery that left a large "permanent reminder" on her leg.

Tammy opens up about the "rebellious" teenage attitude that made her ignore her dad's advice, and her new perspective on tanning, and the message she’s desperate to share with the millions of young people who follow her.

This is a powerful wake-up call about the real, and often hidden, dangers of Australia's sun-loving culture.

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THE END BITS

All your health information is in the Well Hub. 

If you've been putting off a skin check, this is your sign to book it. For more information on sun safety, visit the Cancer Council.

We understand that conversations about cancer can be difficult, whether you're navigating your own diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or remembering someone you've lost.

If today's episode has brought up difficult feelings, please reach out. The Cancer Council offers a confidential support line staffed by specialist nurses, and you can call them on 13 11 20.

For more specific information on the topics we discussed today, organisations like Australian Gynaecological Cancer Foundation, Ovarian Cancer Australia and the Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation provide incredible support and resources for patients and their families.

And if you just need to talk to someone immediately, you can always call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Remember to be kind to yourself, and please don't hesitate to seek support.

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CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Professor Susan Davis 

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

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