Townsville hospital deploys Akubras to get tongues wagging about skin cancer prevention

Iconic hats are being dusted off to get us talking about a terrible disease affecting North Queenslanders.

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A group of Townsville University Hospital staff have devised a novel approach to get people talking about a leading causes of death for North Queenslanders – skin cancer.

Every Friday during the month of April, staff members will don the much-loved Aussie icon Akubra Hat while working indoors to spark conversations and raise awareness about skin cancer prevention.

Recruitment specialist Helene Fotinos said they Akubra idea emerged from a chat over coffee.

“Some of us realised we all had loved ones affected by melanoma and talked about how important it was to get serious about sun safety,” Ms Fotinos said.

“We discussed ways we kept ourselves sun safe and realised we all had a fondness for the old Akubra so divined an idea where we all wear our hats to work on a Friday to start a conversation about sun safety.”

Townsville University Hospital staff Cat Dutton, John Keough, Helene Fotinos Allan Reilly and Caroline Maluga are taking iconic Akubra hats indoors to raise awareness about skin cancer prevention. (Photo taken prior to the mask mandate)

She said the first time they wore their hats they garnered some funny looks.

“We’ve had people ask why we were wearing them which was a great opening to educate about the importance of keeping safe in the sun,” she said.

Townsville University Hospital radiation oncologist Dr Madhavi Chilkuri applauded the idea.

“Anything that helps prevent skin cancer is a great idea in my book,” Dr Chilkuri said.

“Australia is the melanoma capital of the world, with one diagnosis in Australia almost every half an hour.

“It’s the most common cancer affecting 15 to 39 year olds and, devastatingly, one Australian every five hours will die from melanoma.”

Dr Chilkuri said by far the most effective treatment was prevention.

“The most effective thing you can do is to practise sun safety at all times, particularly for young children,” she said.

Australian Beach Volleyball player Zachery Schubert is conscious of being sun smart, urging people to slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat and slide on some sunnies. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

“This means avoiding the sun during the hottest parts of the day, and wearing sunscreen, clothing and a hat when you’re outside, even on cloudy days.”

Dr Chilkuri said melanoma was very treatable if caught early.

“By catching it early, removing a melanoma is very simple and can even be done in your local GP’s office,” she said.

“I’d encourage everyone to incorporate a regular skin check into an annual GP check-up and keep an eye out for any new moles or existing moles that have recently changed in appearance.

“If you have any concerns, book an appointment with your GP and get it checked out; it might save your life.”

For more information on skin cancer prevention, visit here: www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/

Originally published as Townsville hospital deploys Akubras to get tongues wagging about skin cancer prevention