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.
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.
GET IN TOUCH
Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.
Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.
Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.
Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.
Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber
CREDITS
Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam
Guest: Tammy Hembrow
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.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
