Pete Evans causing melanoma drama

This cancer sufferer thinks the TV chef should keep his opinions to himself

When Emma Betts heard Pete Evans tell his fans sunscreen’s full of “poisonous chemicals” and his choice of sun protection was “generally nothing”, she was outraged.

Emma has every reason to be passionate about sun safety – she is just 25 years old and dying from melanoma. “Since I was diagnosed I’ve spent my time trying to raise awareness of melanoma.

“For a lot of people it’s a preventable cancer, so I’ve been teaching people tanning is bad and to be sun-smart. Pete’s comments open people up to not take skin cancer and melanoma seriously and that’s dangerous,” says Emma, from Brisbane.

The My Kitchen Rules star, who has caused controversy with his views on fluoride and advocating the Paleo diet for babies, voiced his comments to his 1.5 millionplus Facebook audience.

“People put on sunscreen then lay out in the sun for hours and think they’re safe because they’ve covered themselves in poisonous chemicals, which is a recipe for disaster as we’re witnessing…

“We need to respect the sun but not hide from it as it’s beneficial, but use common sense. The goal is never to burn yourself,” he posted, before saying he has a year-round tan and only uses natural sunscreen Surfmud.

“Everyone is sick of this chef giving health advice when he’s not a dermatologist and he’s not a doctor,” says Emma. “As an influential person with such a big following, he has a responsibility to provide facts and evidence.”

Uncertain future

Emma is lucky to be alive, after being diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma and given three months to live in 2014. She has survived thanks to drug trials, but in the past six months the drug she’s using stopped working. Now she has very limited options.

“I’m facing what could be the beginning of the end,” reflects the brave young woman.

The CEO of Cancer Council Australia, Professor Sanchia Aranda, says, “We recommend people buy sunscreen that is TGA approved and has a UV rating of 30+.”