The cancer experience of Banksia Grove mother, Chandrika Gibson, is featured alongside prominent and beloved skin cancer survivors, including Aussie superstar Hugh Jackman, in a compelling new Australian-made documentary, Conquering Skin Cancer, launched today as part of National Skin Cancer Action Week.
Cancer Council WA SunSmart Manager, Sally Blane, said she was grateful Chandrika was able to use her experience to advocate on the importance of investing in skin cancer prevention, early diagnosis and treatment throughout the documentary.
"Chandrika's raw and honest account of her 30 year skin cancer journey will leave viewers speechless," Ms Blane said.
"From a small red lesion on her arm when she was 19 years of age, to having significant facial surgery which resulted in 'mirror trauma', Chandrika's personal story will give viewers a snapshot into what happens when you have fair skin and UV exposure from living in Western Australia."
Chandrika grew up on a farm in Capel and said while she was careful with day-to-day sun protection like wearing hats and not working outside in the middle of the day, she believes she got a lot of skin damage from covering herself in baby oil before swimming lessons at the beach to ward off jellyfish, attending agriculture shows, and sun exposure at school, especially sports days.
"From that first lesion when I was 19, I have had about 30 separate Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCC) on my face, shoulders and back removed," Ms Gibson said.
"Then when I was 30 years old, my partner spotted an unusual looking mole on my back that had changed, which turned out to be melanoma.
"In 2018, I had a 'nest' of BCCs on my right cheek, the scars of which are shown in the documentary. In addition, I have since had surgery to remove lesions from the tip of my nose and right eyebrow.
"I sincerely hope this documentary motivates people to use multiple sun protection strategies when they are outside when UV levels reach three or above, because when you look visibly different you attract attention, and it's not a pleasant thing."
Ms Blane said Cancer Council WA was a proud supporter of the production and was delighted to work with Moonshine Agency during the filming in WA.
"We must reframe our relationship with the sun," she said.
"Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians diagnosed in their lifetime, yet it is highly preventable by using sun protection.
"We sincerely hope this documentary highlights to decision makers that increasing the WA government's current commitment to preventing skin cancer including a statewide skin cancer prevention strategy is essential to address our 'national' cancer.
