From Capel to the silver screen: SW woman stars alongside Hugh Jackman in skin cancer awareness documentary

A woman who grew up in the South West has used her experience with skin cancer to inform others of the risks in a documentary, staring alongside Hugh Jackman. Conquering Skin Cancer is being released by the Cancer Council in cinemas around Western Australia to mark National Skin Cancer Action Week. It stars notable figures such as actor Jackman and swimmer Cate Campbell, and alongside them is Chandrika Gibson who grew up on a Capel farm and now lives in Banksia Grove. Ms Gibson, a skin cancer patient herself, has been involved with cancer care services since 2021, sharing her skills in integrative oncology, mind-body medicine and yoga therapy. While she said she always wore a hat and was mindful of peak UV times, some habits — including using baby oil on her skin when swimming in the ocean to ward off jellyfish — meant she was at risk. “From that first lesion when I was 19, I have had about 30 separate basal cell carcinomas 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.” The film will take viewers through a series of stories from survivors of the disease in a push to increase awareness, care options and investment in research. It was shown in regional cities including Busselton, Albany and Kalgoorlie this week and will run again at Orana Cinemas Busselton on December 1. Cancer Council WA sun smart manager Sally Blane said Australians must “reframe” their relationship with the sun. “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,” she said. “We sincerely hope this documentary makes a difference and educates the many Australians who still don’t understand the dangers of excess UV exposure.”