Does having darker skin really protect you from skin cancer? Can you imagine getting a Pap smear every single day for 21 years just to help your husband’s research? And, what do you do if your vagina involuntarily “clenches” during sex.
In this episode, we speak to Professor Georgina Long, Medical Director of Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) and 2024 Australian of the Year, to decode Australia’s complicated relationship with the sun.
We talk about the "ABCDE" rule for checking your moles, whether darker skin tones are at less risk of melanoma and why you should be taking photos of your skin spots.
Plus, in Med School, Claire and Dr Mariam pay tribute to the unsung heroines of medical history - from the wife of Dr. Papanicolaou (who underwent daily pap smears for 21 years ) to Anarcha Westcott, the enslaved woman known as the 'mother of modern gynecology', who endured 30 experimental surgeries without anaesthesia.
And, in our Quick Consult, Dr Mariam helps a listener named Sarah who is struggling with Vaginismus. We break down exactly what this condition is, why it is a physical reflex rather than "just in your head" and the multidisciplinary team you need to help reclaim your sex life.
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 the Cancer Council, the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation, and the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN) provide dedicated advocacy, education and community support for patients impacted by all forms of skin cancer.
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 Georgina Long
Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best
Audio Producer: Scott Stronach
Video Producer: Julian Rosario
Social Producer: Elly Moore
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.
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.
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