Tammy Hembrow melanoma: Fitness influencer’s warning to followers after cancer diagnosis

Tammy Hembrow has shared a poignant reminder for her followers after her shock diagnosis.

In a recent Instagram post, the fitness influencer shared a photo of a significant scar on the back of her leg where she had had a melanoma cut out.

“The last slide is your reminder to wear spf & get your skin checked pls,” she wrote.

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Back in 2023, Hembrow went to the doctor for a skin check. She thought a freckle on the back of her knee was harmless but a biopsy found it to be a melanoma.

She immediately had the tumour cut out from her leg and was advised to return to the doctor every three months to ensure the dangerous cancer did not come back.

“It’s crazy how much less time I spend in the sun now since having a melanoma,” she wrote.

“I used to spend hoursss in the sun & I would rarely ever burn. I genuinely never considered it would happen to me.

“Just a lil reminder to stay sun safe friendss.”

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Hembrow’s post included photos of herself wearing a bikini in the sun in her Gold Coast home and in the caption she called herself a “sunshine girl forever”.

As Hembrow stated, it is important to protect yourself from the sun with SPF. According to Cancer Council, it is important to opt for sunscreens with SPF50 or SPF50+ ratings.

But sunscreen is not the only important method of sun protection.

“Sunscreen is one of the five ways to protect yourself from UV radiation,” says professor Anne Cust, Chair of Cancer Council’s National Skin Cancer Committee.

“Sunscreen should never be used as the only line of defence against sun damage, but in combination with other measures.

“That’s why we encourage all Australians to use all five forms of sun protection whenever the UV levels are 3 or above.”

Those five forms make up Cancer Council’s sun safety slogan, ‘Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide’. 

Most Aussies will know Cancer Council Australia’s sun safety slogan of Slip, Slop, Slap but they may not know it is now Slip, Slop Slap, Seek and Slide to reflect the five recommended ways of protecting yourself from the sun.

“Slip” refers to wearing appropriate protective clothing (think: shirts with long sleeves).

“Slop” refers to wearing an SPF50 or SPF 50+ sunscreen, which the Cancer Council recommends applying 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapplying every two hours, while “slap” refers to slapping on a hat which shades your face, nose, neck and ears. Aussies are also recommended to “seek” shade to avoid the dangerous UV rays of the sun and “slide” on a pair of sunglasses to protect their eyes.

Together, these five methods are recommended for the best protection from the sun. Aussies are also encouraged to get regular skin checks to detect any potential skin concerns early. 

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Back in 2023 when Hembrow first opened up about her health scare, she admitted she hadn’t been “the most diligent person” when it came to sun safety.

“As you know, I’m in the sun all the time. I go to the beach all the time. I live for the ocean,” she said.

“I feel like an idiot now, to be honest, because it’s just one of those things you don’t think will happen to you, until it does.

“Just don’t be stupid like me and think that you’re somehow invincible because you’re not.”

Hembrow is among many Australians to receive a skin cancer diagnosis.

“Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetimes,” Cust says.

“Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun causes up to 95% of melanomas, the deadliest form of skin cancer. When unprotected skin is exposed to UV radiation, how the cells look and behave can change.

“Fortunately, skin cancer is almost entirely preventable,” she adds.

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“Cancer Council recommends using all five forms of sun protection whenever the UV levels are 3 or above – slip on protective clothing; slop on SPF50 or 50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen; slap on a broad-brimmed hat; seek shade and slide on sunglasses.”

“It’s also important to get to know your skin and what is normal for you. If you notice any changes in the size, shape or colour of an existing spot, or the development of a new spot, you should get it checked by a GP or your dermatologist as soon as possible.”

For cancer information and support, please call Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 Information and Support service.

The information in this article should not be construed as medical advice. Please always consult your doctor or other medical professional for advice specific to you.

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