A young aspiring doctor is already on the cutting edge of cancer research after a national journal published her findings on Australia’s “hidden” skin cancer epidemic.
Aymaan Tayyab, 22, who recently graduated from the University of the Sunshine Coast, co-authored the paper in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology with senior pathologists and academics.
“We found that new reporting guidelines for pathologists could help identify high-risk non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) cases earlier, giving patients better treatment options,” Ms Tayyab said.
“The guidelines recommend structured, rather than prose, reports that contain extensive standardised information and are currently used for melanoma biopsies.”
NMSCs include cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCCs). Commonly found on people’s heads and necks, these can turn into high-risk cancers.
The research was co-supervised by Associate Professor Andrew Dettrick, a pathologist studying a PhD at UniSC, who last year found that deaths from non-melanoma skin cancers had almost doubled in Australia this millennium, raising concern about the hidden epidemic.
“Australia has the highest incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers in the world and we should not underestimate the urgency of treating them,” Dr Dettrick said.
“This new study shows that following the guidelines introduced in 2023 will help ensure sufficient detail is provided in all pathology reports on tissue biopsies, including whether the lesion has deepened or spread.”
Ms Tayyab moved to the Sunshine Coast from New Zealand to enrol in a sought-after medical doctor pathway program at Sunshine Coast Health Institute (SCHI).
She completed a three-year UniSC Bachelor of Medical Science last year and is now in the first year of a Doctor of Medicine (MD) with Griffith University at SCHI.
Her study with Dr Dettrick and UniSC Associate Professor Rebecca Donkin, based on data collected in 2022, was conducted at Queensland Pathology at Sunshine Coast University Hospital.
“We chose Sunshine Coast data because the region has extreme UV exposure year-round,” Ms Tayyab said.
“I was really keen to undertake the project because it aligns with my goal for the future – working in cancer care.
“I’ve seen and heard of too many people getting affected by this condition. I hope to provide positive patient care and perhaps continue researching in this field to develop novel treatment strategies.”
She said the MD program had already enabled her to put knowledge into practice, experiencing clinical placements and learning pathologies.
“This semester, I’m looking forward to the General Practice placement where I can use my skills in the community.”
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