Dr Amanda Hutchinson is a clinical psychologist with roles in both research and teaching at the University of South Australia. Amanda’s research interests include sun exposure and skin cancer prevention which we discuss with a focus on our teens and young adults. We talk about finding the right balance between avoiding damaging sun exposure but getting enough UVB exposure to produce vitamin D. Another issue we talk about skin appearance in the context of social pressures to meet certain ideals and how that can impact safe sun behaviours.
Amanda has dedicated much of her professional life to improving the quality of life of cancer survivors and reducing the psychosocial burden of cancer. Many cancer survivors, understandably, face psychological issues such as fear of cancer returning, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Amanda shares her knowledge in relation to the best approaches to minimise and deal with these issues. She also explains the changes in cognitive function that may occur as a result of a cancer diagnosis and / or treatment.
Despite the challenging topic, it was a pleasure to spend time with Amanda who speaks with such compassion and kindness.
LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST
- Cancer Council: https://www.cancer.org.au
- Cancer Helpline: https://www.cancer.org.au/support-and-services
- Cancer Support Organisations: https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/affected-cancer/cancer-support-organisations
- National Bowel Cancer Screening Program: https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program
- Breast Cancer Screening: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/early-detection-and-screening/breast-cancer-screening
