Deborah Hutton’s skin cancer journey has given her life purpose

Australia’s reputation for being a sunburnt country didn’t come out of nowhere! Many Aussies have fond memories of long lazy afternoons spent lying in the sun…

And Deborah Hutton’s childhood was no different. As a teen she would catch two buses and a train to meet her friends at the iconic Bondi Beach with one activity on their minds- achieving the perfect tan.

“We basically were just basting rotisserie chooks, we’d just kept rolling over”.

The goal? To burn, and eventually brown.

“Your first peel was considered a badge of honour.”

Unfortunately, hours of UV exposure and countless sunburns did add up. And Deborah Hutton, Media Icon, Designer, TV Presenter, Model and Magazine Editor, added a new title to her extensive list- skin cancer survivor and advocate.

We know that overexposure to UV radiation in sunlight is the main cause of the majority of skin cancers- especially when you are roasting away with little or no sun protection.

Deborah spoke to us candidly about the two significant surgeries she has undergone on her face to remove skin cancers- and about navigating those surgeries throughout a successful career as a high-profile public figure.

“I’ve been through some times when I really didn’t know what part of my face was going to be removed- and my whole career has been my face and my voice”.

In May 2020, Deb underwent a major surgery to remove two basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) from her face. And although the surgery was successful, she will remain at high risk for developing skin cancers for the rest of her life. Now, she gets her skin checked professionally every three to four months, to monitor her skin for any irregularities or changes.

Skin cancer surgery is intense and invasive, but if a skin cancer is left undetected, the consequences can be even more dire. Deb’s raw honesty in her public career has sparked conversations about skin cancer across Australia and beyond, emboldening others to share their own skin cancer stories.

Since her surgeries, Deb has embraced what she deems the most meaningful and fulfilling role of her life- becoming a powerful skin cancer patient advocate, and an ambassador for the Skin Cancer Foundation Inc.

“Yeah I’ve got a bit of a crooked smile- but whatever! I’m cancer free now!”

Deb knows her powerful story can make an impact. She has embraced this vulnerability to inspire action. She’s sharing unfiltered post-surgery selfies, and given candid public interviews, all with a simple but profound message: daily sun protection and regular skin checks will save lives.

“The uglier the pic, the more impact it’s going to have”.

Leaving the house with adequate sunscreen and a hat (usually one of her own designs) is now non-negotiable for Deb. Her skin cancer experiences have transformed her relationship with the sun and in turn her daily habits, and she uses her story as a cautionary tale for anyone who still thinks tanning is “cool”.

“You have to have a relationship with the sun. Find a way that allows you, sensibly, to enjoy that time outdoors”.

See Deb’s full story in Conquering Skin Cancer, in cinemas December 2024. Book your tickets now to ensure you don’t miss out! https://conqueringcancercampaign.com/conquering-skin-cancer/see-the-film/