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AMRF | Marking 20 years of making a difference

On the Frontlines of Skin Cancer: Harriet’s Mission to Educate and Save Lives

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From boardrooms to remote worksites, Skin Cancer Nurse Harriet Clayton is taking melanoma awareness directly to Australians, one skin check at a time. Travelling across the country, Harriet combines clinical expertise with a passion for education, helping people understand their risk and catch potential skin cancers early. In this interview, she shares what it’s really like on the frontlines of skin cancer care, the misconceptions that still persist, and why ongoing research and awareness are more important than ever.
Harriet conducting skin checks at a worksite.

Can you tell us about your role as a skin cancer nurse and what a typical day looks like? What drew you to specialise in melanoma and skin cancer care?

When working in the field a typical day is arriving at a workplace (anywhere in Australia from law firms to offshore rigs) setting up my equipment, putting up posters and flyers about skin cancer, then seeing up to 28 participants over the day.

I complete full body skin checks (except under underwear) and ensure education is given too. If anything of concern is found the participant is given photos of the lesion and a referral.

“People believe if an area hasn’t ever been exposed to the sun, it’s safe from skin cancer. Unfortunately, this is not true, UV damage accumulates in our bodies and melanoma can occur literally anywhere!”

What’s something about your work that people might not expect?

I get to travel all around Australia, I’ve worked in every state now except the NT!

Are there any patient stories or moments that have stayed with you?

I had a PT two years ago at a rural orchid, lovely early 50’s lady with a spot on her lip, I noticed it as soon as we started chatting, she mentioned the GP had told her is was scaring from a cold sore, unfortunately when I looked closer it was obvious it was something more than scaring, I gave her a referral with dermascopic images of the area. I saw her a year later and she gave me a huge hug with tears in her eyes, the lesion was in fact an invasive BCC and she had needed extensive surgery and radiation therapy on the area.

What are the biggest misconceptions people have about melanoma? What warning signs should people never ignore when checking their skin?

People believe if an area hasn’t ever been exposed to the sun, it’s safe from skin cancer. Unfortunately, this is not true, UV damage accumulates in our bodies and melanoma can occur literally anywhere! (Including soles of feet, genitals, mouth, and backs of eyes)

“I choose to partner with the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation as they align with my passion, with getting the word out there on Melanoma and have a big impact on education- which is an area I am most passionate about.”

How has melanoma treatment changed in recent years from your perspective?

Treatment for melanoma has come leaps and bounds in the last few years with the use of immunotherapies, this targeted type of treatment is saving lives and is often less aggressive on the body than traditional chemotherapy.

Why do you choose to partner with the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation?

I choose to partner with the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation as they align with my passion, with getting the word out there on Melanoma and have a big impact on education- which is an area I am most passionate about.

What’s one thing you wish every Australian understood about sun safety?

A tan is your body telling you it’s damaged, it’s not an indicator of good health!

Harriet on an oil rig to conduct skin checks.

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