Discover the message from Australian of the Year, Prof Long, on the trauma of tanning and her groundbreaking melanoma research. Learn about changing tanning culture, innovative melanoma treatments, and the societal impact of Australia's obsession with tanning.
Tanning increases melanoma risk by triggering skin trauma, debunking the misconception of protection.
Innovative melanoma treatments combining immunotherapy and personalized drugs show significant improvements and future cancer care potential.
Deep dives
Professor Georgina Long's Work in Melanoma Cancer Treatment
Professor Georgina Long, the joint Australian of the year, discusses her work in treating melanoma cancer by activating the immune system to kill cancer cells with specific drugs. She highlights the importance of sun protection and addressing the tanning culture to prevent melanoma. Despite past campaigns like 'slip-slop-slap,' the messaging about sun dangers remains inadequate, especially among younger age groups. Professor Long advocates using social media to redefine beauty standards and educate about the risks of tanning.
Impact of Sun Exposure on Skin and Melanoma Risk
Professor Georgina Long explains that sun exposure triggers melanocytes in the skin to produce melanin as a defense mechanism, signaling skin trauma. The misconception that tanning offers protection from skin cancer is debunked, emphasizing that it increases the risk, especially for fair-skinned individuals. Melanoma disproportionately affects young Australians, with prevention efforts vital to reduce melanoma incidence. Professor Long stresses the need for a holistic approach addressing melanoma causes and prevention strategies.
Innovative Treatment Approach and Collaboration with Professor Richard Scolia
Professor Georgina Long and Professor Richard Scolia, both Australian of the year recipients, collaborated to pioneer innovative melanoma treatment approaches. They applied immunotherapy before surgical removal of melanoma, leading to significant improvements and real-time patient feedback. Professor Long's work on treating Richard's incurable brain cancer with personalized drug therapies showcases groundbreaking advancements in cancer treatment. Their approach aims not only to improve current treatments but also to pave the way for future innovations in cancer care.
Tanning represents your skin cells in trauma. That's the message this year’s joint Australian of the Year, Professor Georgina Long, wants you to know. She’s a cancer doctor and was part of a medical breakthrough that transformed the way we treat melanoma. In today’s deep dive, we chat to the Prof Long about her work in the melanoma field, as well as how her medical breakthrough is now being used to treat her best friend and co-Australian of the Year recipient, Professor Richard Scolyer.
Melanoma March supports MIA’s life-saving research. Donate at melanomamarch.org.au
Credits: Hosts: Sam Koslowski, Zara Seidler Guest: Professor Georgina Long Audio Producer: Emmeline Peterson