From diagnosis to advocacy, Tamara’s story is a powerful reminder of why early detection and sun protection matter.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
I’m the Founder and CEO of the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN), Australia’s national charity led by and for people affected by a melanoma or skin cancer diagnosis.
I learnt in my mid-30s that life has a peculiar way of flipping everything on its head. I was happy and healthy, actively involved in trade negotiations and high level government policy discussions in Parliament House, Canberra, before a diagnosis of metastatic melanoma put a pause on it all.
My journey with metastatic melanoma started when I felt some strange abdominal pains. One test led to another, and I was diagnosed with melanoma that had spread to my liver. Thanks to my top-notch treating team, immunotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy, I am back to fit and healthy. I’m cancer-free and recently celebrated 10 years since I was diagnosed. I don’t normally celebrate a cancer-versary, but 10 years felt different. I feel grateful and proud.
We’d love to hear about your MSCAN journey. What inspired you to start it, and what’s been the most rewarding part so far?
Melanoma and skin cancer can be difficult diseases to navigate. As a patient, I was often overwhelmed and could see many opportunities for improved patient-centred care. My experience as a patient started to fuel a deep motivation to make the cancer journey easier for other patients and their families.
Establishing the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN) in 2020 has been incredibly rewarding, hard work and lots of fun. We are transforming our health care system, shaping our national health policies and empowering all Australians to love their skin.
It’s been incredible to work with industry, Australia’s top clinicians, researchers and lived experience advisers to start to drive real change. I’ve learnt that we need bold and ambitious solutions to address our national cancer.
I’m proud that MSCAN is hosting events in Parliament House, Canberra, with our political leaders and policy makers. We’re focused on listening to, representing and informing the skin cancer community across the disease continuum; from prevention, early detection through to coping with a serious diagnosis. We’re championing equitable access to healthcare, working hard to elevate the patient voice and encouraging more funding for research, clinical trials and a committed advocacy approach.
I’m also proud of the partnership we’ve built and the work we’ve accomplished with the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Nurses Organisation (MSCNO). Hosting the Inaugural Conference for Melanoma & Skin Cancer nurses in 2024 was a highlight.
MSCAN is a small (but growing!) charity and we’re ready for the next stage of growth. Check us out at: https://mscan.org.au
You’ve had a personal experience with skin cancer, can you share more about that, and how it’s shaped your relationship with the sun?
My melanoma diagnosis has changed my relationship with the sun. I routinely check the UV levels on the SunSmart app and I change my behaviour accordingly. As an aside, my 11 year old son told his friends that my job is to nag people to be sun safe.
The tan lines trend is a disaster. I’m not sure why so many Australians think that skin cancer won’t happen to them. MSCAN is focused on driving a cultural shift and we want to change Australia’s relationship with the sun. We can still love our outdoor activities, but we need create a culture of loving our skin and protect our skin from the harsh UV.
How did you first discover Solbari, and what your favourite products are and why?
I first discovered Solbari when I complimented my friend and said “nice hat”. Since then, I’ve met with the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader and parliamentarians from all sides to advocate for skin cancer wearing my own Solbari hat!
I have only recently learnt that not all clothing offers UV protection. I was really surprised to learn that linen shirts don’t offer adequate protection and that some fabrics are the equivalent of only wearing SPF 5 sunscreen. It’s crazy!
I’m a big fan of Solbari’s long sleeve UPF 50+ tops and I have a couple of different colours. They’re stylish and comfortable. I also love the wide-brimmed hats.
How do you stay sun safe while still enjoying time outdoors? Has this changed the way you approach travel, sport, or your daily life? And have you ever experienced sun-anxiety?
I love being outdoors and it took some time for me to learn and trust that I can be outdoors and sun/UV safe at the same time. It took me some time to build my confidence with this after my diagnosis. I check the UV levels on the SunSmart app, I always reach for my wide-brimmed hat and I’m mindful of the clothes I’m wearing.
I’ll exercise outdoors in the morning and walk the dog in the morning or late afternoon. If I’m travelling, I’ll head out sight-seeing in the morning and reduce my time outside when the UV levels are at their highest.
The UV levels in Australia are so ridiculously high. In summer, the UV levels can reach 12. In comparison, at the peak of summer in the U.K., the UV will only ever reach 6.
Sun-anxiety is real for me and for many in MSCAN’s patient community. I’m still the person that asks if we can sit in the shade or if the kids playing cricket can wear wide-brimmed hats. There are little things that we can easily change and I’ve found that makes me worry less.
If you could share one message with others about sun protection, what would it be?
Imagine if we all loved our skin and took care of it. It’s time to get skin serious!
A big focus for me and for MSCAN is to change Australia’s relationship with the sun. We can still do all the things we love; we just need to do it in a sun/ UV safe way.
The experts tell us that sun damage is cumulative and that it’s our daily activities that are exposing us to the most UV. I’d love to see all Australians wear a wide-brimmed hat (ditch the caps!) and really think about appropriate protection. I’d also love to see more Australians become advocates in their own community. Talk to your Council about shade over the local playground or swimming pool. Speak to your sports club when the kids’ uniform is only a singlet top (kids don’t need to be aerodynamic when running or rowing) and ask for a wide-brimmed hat rather than a cap. We can all be advocates and create change in our communities.
You can find out more about Solbari's certified UPF 50+ sun protective range by clicking the links below:
Women UPF 50+
Men UPF 50+
Sun Hats UPF 50+
Accessories UPF 50+
