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Cancer Council Queensland Next Generation Research Fellow Dr Stephanie Portelli is developing more sensitive cancer risk detection tools by looking beyond genetic mutations alone to understand how genes are switched on and off.
Understanding the research
Dr Portelli is pioneering a new approach to cancer risk detection that goes beyond what current tools can see. Most existing methods look at two things: how genetic changes affect the structure and function of proteins, and whether those changes occur at evolutionarily important parts of the protein. While useful, even when combined these approaches don’t fully capture the complexity of how cancer develops.
The missing piece, Dr Portelli explains, is the control system that determines when and how genes are switched on or off. It’s a layer of biology that existing detection tools largely ignore.
“Current cancer risk detection tools don’t consider when and how genes are switched on or off to cause cancer,” Dr Portelli says. “Understanding this control system better could make predicting cancer risk much more accurate.”
Her research focuses on small genetic changes in regulatory genes—the genes that act as switches for other genes—and how disruptions to this system might contribute to cancer development. It’s an approach that shifts how we think about cancer risk, moving from a static picture of the genome to a dynamic understanding of how it behaves.
What this research means for patients
Dr Portelli’s project has three interconnected goals.
The first is to understand how mutations in regulatory genes might trigger cancer by turning other genes on or off unexpectedly. The second is to identify cancer ‘fingerprints’ in chemical tags on DNA called methylation markers, which are sections of DNA that don’t code for proteins but play a powerful role in determining which genes are active. The third is to use artificial intelligence to bring all of this information together, combining insights from multiple sources to more accurately predict childhood cancer risk.
Building on each other, these goals create a richer, more complete picture of cancer risk. More than any single approach could provide alone.
“My research aims to improve how we detect cancer by understanding how small genetic changes in certain regulatory genes might contribute to cancer,” she says.
By weaving this personalised genetic information, including insights from gene ‘control systems’, into risk prediction tools, doctors could be better equipped to identify children at risk earlier and tailor prevention and care to the individual.
That kind of precision could make an enormous difference for families navigating an uncertain diagnosis.
The bigger picture
Cancer development is more complex than genes being broken. The other part of the picture is genes being switched on when they shouldn’t be, or silenced when they should be active. It’s a hidden layer of complexity that’s been underrepresented in the tools clinicians use to assess risk, until now. It’s Dr Portelli’s research that’s aiming to change that.
Her work has the potential to allow for smarter, more personalised approaches to cancer detection. Ones that reflect true biological intricacy, how cancer begins, and provide clinicians with tools to act sooner and with greater confidence.
Learn more
Brain cancer remains one of the most devastating diagnoses a patient can receive. Despite decades of medical advances, survival rates have remained stubbornly unchanged with few patients surviving more than 14-months from diagnosis.
Cancer Council Queensland Next Generation Research Fellow Dr Taskeen Janjua Khan is developing innovative nanotechnology that could mean a fundamental shift in how we treat brain cancer.
Dr Janjua Khan is pioneering the development of ultra-small nanoparticles specifically designed to overcome the biggest obstacle in brain cancer treatment: the blood-brain barrier. This protective shield prevents harmful substances from entering the brain, but when it comes to brain cancer treatment, it also acts as a blocker, preventing the vast majority of cancer-fighting drugs from reaching glioblastoma tumours.
“Brain cancer is very tricky to treat,” Dr Janjua Khan explains. “That survival rate hasn’t improved in the last 20 to 30 years.”
Current chemotherapy treatments face a critical inefficiency problem, in that only 20 percent of the drug actually reaches the cancer cells. The remaining 80 percent never reaches the tumour, instead circulating throughout the body, which can lead to devastating side effects, such as hair loss, nausea, nails falling off, and gastrointestinal problems.
Dr Janjua Khan’s research focuses on engineering nanoparticles that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, so more of the chemotherapy can be delivered to the glioblastoma tumour cells.
What this research means for Queenslanders
Brain cancer affects approximately 300 Queenslanders each year, with glioblastoma accounting for the majority of cases. Dr Janjua Khan’s nanoparticles technology could revolutionise treatment in two significant ways:
“If we could target it better, so that it can go directly into the tumour, one, we will need to use less of the cancer dose. And secondly, it would improve the therapy,” she says.
If the intended target—the cancer—can be reached by more of the treatment, patients could receive lower doses of chemotherapy while achieving better therapeutic outcomes. This means potentially more effective cancer treatment with dramatically reduced side effects, which could be a game-changing improvement in quality of life during treatment.
The researcher’s journey
Dr Taskeen Janjua Khan didn’t plan on a career as a researcher. She trained as a pharmacist and took on a research project out of curiosity. Then two family members were diagnosed with cancer. One was her three-year-old cousin.
An opportunity to work on brain cancer at The University of Queensland followed, and Taskeen stayed.
“There are a lot of challenges for early career researchers, and one of the main ones is funding,” she explains.
“This sort of programs actually help us bridge the gap between going to the next level and continuing our research. I wouldn’t have been able to continue my research without it.”
The rewarding aspects of her role
The opportunity to pursue research that could one day change the outcomes for brain cancer patients entirely may have started as purely personal, but now it represents the possibility for an enormous scientific achievement.
Knowing that the ultra-small nanoparticles she works with every day could hold the key to transforming how we treat brain cancer, Dr Janjua Khan is working towards patient trials. Now testing her nanoparticles in advanced models, she’s getting closer to this goal every day.
By bridging the gap between nanotechnology and oncology, her research has the potential to reshape how we treat brain cancer, and improve survival rates that have remained stagnant for decades.
One in five breast cancer survivors find their journey doesn’t end with treatment. Breast cancer-related lymphoedema—a chronic, incurable swelling condition—can develop within the first two years after treatment, and can significantly impact quality of life.
But what if this debilitating condition could be prevented through simple, accessible interventions?
This is the driving question for Dr Melanie Plinsinga, a Cancer Council Queensland Next Generation Cancer Research Fellowship recipient investigating whether exercise and compression therapy could offer a preventative solution.
Breast cancer-related lymphoedema occurs when cancer treatment damages the lymphatic system, which is the body’s network responsible for draining fluid and fighting infection. The damage disrupts the anatomy and function of lymphatic vessels, leading to chronic swelling, discomfort, and reduced mobility. Symptoms patients must manage for the rest of their lives.
“It’s an incurable condition that happens in one in five people in the first two years after treatment,” explains Dr Plinsinga. “What I’m looking at is really trying to find preventative strategies that are accessible and equitable to access for everyone.”
The emphasis on accessibility is crucial. Many cancer-related interventions require expensive equipment, specialised facilities, or proximity to major treatment centres; all barriers that can prevent regional and remote Queenslanders from receiving optimal care.
Dr Plinsinga’s research team recently published a systematic review that revealed a game-changing insight: exercise therapy could actually prevent breast cancer-related lymphoedema from developing in the first place.
In Queensland, approximately 3,800 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. With one in five developing lymphoedema within two years of treatment, Dr Plinsinga’s research could prevent thousands of women from facing this chronic condition.
Building on the systematic review, Dr Plinsinga’s current research project is comparing exercise therapy and compression therapy against usual best care for breast cancer-related lymphoedema prevention. By rigorously testing these interventions, the study aims to establish evidence-based guidelines that clinicians can confidently recommend to patients completing breast cancer treatment.
Exercise-based interventions can be implemented in community settings, don’t require expensive technology, and can be adapted to individual circumstances and capabilities. If these accessible interventions prove effective at preventing lymphoedema, Queensland breast cancer survivors could avoid a chronic condition that affects physical function, body image, and overall wellbeing.
Dr Melanie Plinsinga’s grandmother had breast cancer and survived. That experience shaped her decision to focus on improving quality of life for breast cancer survivors.
“I think everyone knows someone in their family that has cancer or had to undergo treatment for breast cancer,” Dr Plinsinga says. “It really motivated me to try to improve the quality of life of breast cancer survivors.”
Working at Griffith University’s health group, Dr Plinsinga had been planning this lymphoedema prevention research for years, but securing funding as an early career researcher proved challenging. When she received the Cancer Council Queensland Next Generation Cancer Research Fellowship, the five-year funding commitment changed everything.
“I think the first thing that I thought was amazement. I just couldn’t believe it,” she reflects. “The opportunity to be able to actually do the research that I’d been wanting to do for so long—I’m very honoured to have received the award.”
The fellowship gives early career researchers the time and stability to pursue prevention-focused studies that might otherwise struggle to secure support.
Preventing someone from developing lymphoedema is the ultimate goal of Dr Plinsinga’s research.
“If I see that, of course, that’s amazing. To see that someone has carried on with their lives without having to experience all the effects that come with lymphoedema. I think that’s really the ultimate goal,” she says.
The systematic review her team published showed that exercise therapy could prevent breast cancer-related lymphoedema. “I think this really set the scene for my project,” Dr Plinsinga says. “At that stage I thought, okay, this might actually be an accessible prevention strategy for not just Queenslanders, but everyone around the world.”
Contributions go towards world-class research, prevention programs and support service.
This means when you give to support local cancer research, prevention and early detection programs, and vital cancer support services, you also receive a benefit.
Donating lowers your taxable income
When you claim a donation to Cancer Council Queensland on your tax return, it lowers your taxable income.
For example, if you earn $200,000 per year and donate $5,000 to Cancer Council Queensland, the Australian Tax Office (ATO) assesses your taxable income as $195,000 instead of $200,000.
This translates to real tax benefits
How much you save depends on your marginal tax rate.
If your marginal tax rate is 37%
You’ll save $370 on your return when you donate $1,000
You’ll save $1850 on your return when you donate $5,000
You’ll save $3700 on your return when you donate $10,000
If your marginal tax rate is 45%
You’ll save $450 on your return when you donate $1,000 You’ll save $2250 on your return when you donate $5,000You’ll save $4500 on your return when you donate $10,000
Note: These are examples only. Your individual tax outcome may differ – please seek independent financial advice.
1. Donate before June 30
To claim the deduction this financial year, make your donation before midnight on 30 June.
2. Keep your receipt!
We’ll send you a tax receipt as soon as your donation is complete.
3. Claim your deduction when you lodge your tax return
Add your donation amount under the ‘Gifts or donations’ section when you complete your 2025 tax return.
When you donate to Cancer Council Queensland, you’re funding local research on a global scale and having a real impact on the lives of Queenslanders living with cancer.
Make a tax-deductible donation and provide support to Queensland families like Kara’s
When Terri Grosser first noticed a changing mole on her thigh, she booked a check-up with her GP. She was 35 at the time, juggling life as a young mum with three children, and living in Charters Towers in Central Queensland. Her initial diagnosis of stage 3 melanoma would turn her family’s world upside down.
Over the years that followed, Terri went through more than 10 surgeries. Her family felt incredibly supported by their network in Mt Isa, and her openness about her diagnosis brought the community together – they organised a nightly “meal train”, supported the family emotionally and financially, and offered hands-on help.
Her sister, Kara Thompson, remembers it all vividly.
“The amount of financial, emotional and physical support throughout Terri’s journey was amazing…every night at 6 o’clock someone would rock up with a beautiful meal,” Kara said.
“But that’s what this community is like…I think sometimes when you’re in such a remote location, not everyone is blessed to have family here, so people make their friends and community their family.”
“It’s the kind of place where if there’s a problem or someone’s having an issue in town, people just band together and help.”
The local cancer care unit with its dedicated nurses helped Terri continue treatment close to home, and telehealth brought some appointments within reach. But major appointments – including scans and oncology consults – still meant flying nearly 2,000km to Brisbane.
Terri surrounded by her family during treatment.
“The preparation involved with each trip was huge,” Kara said. “Flights, accommodation, food, taxis – it just adds up.”
“There was always the recovery after surgery and the feeling of “Did they get all the cancer?”
“And it was tricky because with kids at that age, they don’t understand. They want mummy to keep doing everything. We tried to keep everything normal for the kids.”
“Then there were the side effects from the medication. She was having to still be mum and a wife, and a friend, but when you’re exhausted and have a terminal diagnosis, it’s tough.”
Terri sadly passed away in 2024 after living with cancer for eight years, but her legacy lives on – not only in her three children, but in the countless people who were moved by her story to make time to book in for a skin screening.“If anyone could get anything out of my story, it’s please get your skin checked,” Terri told the ABC in 2021. “You need to get it checked every year, and if anything on your skin changes.”That message, delivered from the heart, continues to ripple through the community.“We still hear stories of people who got checked because of her,” Kara said. “They’d come up and say, ‘We found something early. She saved our life.’”Kara remembers her sister as endlessly positive, even while going through treatment.“She was just the most beautiful person,” Kara said. “She wanted her kids to know she was more than what happened to her.”
Terri Grosser at Christmas with her family
Now, her family continues the work Terri started – urging others to prioritise skin checks and protect themselves from the sun, and advocating for better access to care in regional areas.
“We spread the message far and wide about people getting their skin checked.”
Kara Thompson with her children, and her niece and nephews.
“We’re always onto all the kids about sun safety, sunscreen and hats,” Kara said.
“Sometimes, they’ll be like ‘Oh no, again?’, but they know why it’s so important.”
Make a donation to make a difference for Queensland families like Kara’s
Staffed by qualified nurses and health professionals, the service is available 7 days a week from 7am to 7pm.
Despite what you might think, palliative care isn’t just about end-of-life care, so what is palliative care? Palliative care is specialised medical care for anyone living with a life-limiting illness or terminal illness, such as advanced cancer. The main goal is to improve a person’s quality of life by relieving pain and reducing emotional, physical, social, and spiritual suffering.Palliative care is all about meeting the unique needs of people going through cancer their families, helping people live as fully and comfortably as possible. It’s tailored to each individual and supports both the person and their loved ones throughout the illness journey.Your dedicated palliative care team works closely with you to identify and address your unique needs. Support can include:
Early referral to palliative care services can often enhance and even extend a person’s life, ensuring better overall palliative support and outcomes.
While end-of-life care is an important part of palliative care, it typically refers to the final weeks of life when needs—both for the individual and their carers—are highest. This care extends to include bereavement support for families and loved ones after death.
If you or someone you love needs palliative care, PalAssist is here to help. PalAssist is a free and confidential support service for anyone dealing with a life-limiting illness.
Staffed by qualified nurses and health professionals, the service is available 7 days a week from 7am to 7pm, providing:
To speak with someone who understands, contact PalAssist and get the help you need today.
For a long time, Jacqueline Brown didn’t know she had ovarian cancer.
When she first noticed abdominal pain and changes in her bowel movements, she was sent to get a stool test. At the time, Jackie was feeling fit, playing golf and going to the gym. When the test came back negative, her doctor told her to persevere and improve her diet. She did, and the symptoms subsided for a while. Then, when the pain in her pelvic area came back, Jackie was diagnosed with diverticulitis – a type of inflammation in the colon. Her symptoms continued to worsen, despite an ultrasound showing nothing out of the ordinary. It was only when she got a CAT scan that Jackie was finally diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer.
“Throughout my life, I believed I wouldn’t get cancer because I was fit and healthy and no other members of my family have had cancer. My mother lived to 100 and just died of old age. It didn’t even enter my mind that I might have cancer. It was only discovered through a process of elimination. I had no early symptoms, other than abdominal pain.”
In early 2023, Jackie began intensive treatment. She had chemotherapy for three months, a PET scan, followed by surgery. A malfunction in BRCA 1 gene was identified post-surgery and she proceeded with three more months of chemo.Jackie’s husband Bob was by her side for the entire journey; cooking, cleaning, washing her clothes, taking her to hospital, and learning as much as he could about ovarian cancer.“He was present for every chemotherapy. He took care of me when I fell ill, which happened a lot. He complimented me as I lose weight and my hair – I lost 6kg during chemotherapy. I had diarrhoea and everything I ate went straight through me. Bob read Cancer Council Queensland booklets, learning everything he could about my treatment and emotions and how to deal with cancer if you’re a close relative. And he stayed positive about my outcome.”
The oncology team at Townsville’s Icon Centre connected Jackie with self-care programs, allied health services, and a Facebook group for women in North Queensland going through ovarian cancer. They also helped Jackie access genetics testing, which showed her cancer was somatic, not genetic, allaying her fears that other women in her family could be at risk. Jackie, who says she feels as though she’s had the “best treatment and the best support that’s available”, now spends her time supporting other women navigating ovarian cancer.
“I host a ‘Teal Tea’ and I will be doing Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. It’s important to do that, because the money raised goes to research and helping others who have cancer.”Jackie is a fierce advocate for ovarian cancer research, especially when it comes to finding better ways to diagnose the disease earlier.
“Unlike breast cancer, which has early detection through the mammogram program, ovarian cancer does not have screening. Fewer than half of women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer will survive for five years, and the earlier the diagnosis, the better the outcome.”Cancer Council Queensland’s Next Generation Research Fellowship recipient Dr. Mostafa Kamal Masud, from The University of Queensland is conducting research focused on the early diagnosis and monitoring of ovarian cancer through a portable and automated diagnostic device. This device, which utilises nanoengineered structures, aims to significantly impact ovarian cancer detection, treatment and monitoring.When you donate to Cancer Council Queensland, you’re funding local research on a global scale and having a real impact in the lives of Queenslanders living with cancer.
Busy elegant bearded adult company director, checking the company finances, at the office.
When someone’s diagnosed with cancer, we all want to do everything we can to listen and help. However, one of the greatest sources of stress is often the hardest to talk about and can fly under the radar: the financial burden that comes with a cancer diagnosis. To support Queenslanders and their families, we’ve recently launched a free Financial Counselling Service. We sat down with Kylee, a Financial Counsellor at Cancer Council Queensland, to learn more about the program.
Families often experience a loss of income, as people may need to take time off work for treatment or caregiving responsibilities. The costs of cancer treatment – such as hospital bills, medications, and specialist consultations – are sometimes not covered, and can quickly add up. And then there’s things like home care and travelling for medical appointments. The strain can be even greater for those living in rural or regional areas. Navigating insurance claims, understanding eligibility for government financial assistance, and managing mounting debts can also add to the stress.
Our role is to help families address these financial burdens, find the support available, and ensure they can focus on their care without the overwhelming worry about money.
Financial Counsellors complete a Diploma in Financial Counselling, which equips them with the specialised knowledge and skills needed to support people facing financial hardship – particularly when faced with situations like cancer. Our Financial Counsellors also hold registrations with Financial Counsellors’ Association Queensland.
Queenslanders should call 13 11 20. Our appointments are available by phone or video conferencing, Monday to Friday. We also offer face-to-face appointments at our Brisbane office. The service is free to all Queenslanders over the age of 18 who have been impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
Research shows getting plenty of fibre in your diet can help protect against colorectal cancers. This delicious recipe is packed with veg and is a tasty way to boost your fibre intake. Serves eight people (or four hungry people!)
Eating a healthy diet packed with fibre is just one of the six key ways to reduce your cancer risk. Learn more about the Lifestyle 6.
This recipe is an extract from In Praise of Veg by Alice Zaslavsky. Photography by Ben Dearnley.
Australian research shows approximately 1 in 3 cancer cases can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices like drinking less alcohol, quitting smoking and using sun protection. By adopting these six key lifestyle behaviours, you can help reduce your cancer risk and improve early detection.
Be smoke free The best thing you can do for your health is to not smoke or vape. Help is available by calling Quitline on 13 78 48. Use sun protection Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide when UV levels are 3 or above. Be physically active Try and get movement in every day. Eat a healthy diet The evidence is clear: more fruit, vegetables and fibre, less red meat and avoid processed meats. Limit alcohol When it comes to cancer, unfortunately there’s no “safe level” of alcohol consumption – do your best to limit your alcohol consumption. Know what’s normal for you, and take part in screening Early detection saves lives, so know your body, see your doctor if you notice any unusual changes, and participate in the National Cancer Screening Programs.
Smoking – 10% of Queensland adults are daily smokers
Sun protection – 49% of Queenslanders were sunburnt in the last year
Being physically active – National guidelines recommend a minimum of 2.5 hours of moderate physical activity per week, or 1 hour 15 minutes of intense physical activity per week. 24% of Queenslanders 15 years and older meet the national guidelines.
Eating a healthy diet – National guidelines recommend we have at least 2 serves of fruit and 5 serves of vegetables a day. Only 4% of us meet the national guidelines for fruit and veggie consumption.
Limiting alcohol – It’s recommended we drink no more than 4 standard drinks a day, or 10 standard drinks a week. However, 37% of us currently drink more than the national guidelines.
Participation in cancer screening – In Australia, there are three national cancer screening programs. 38% of eligible Queenslanders have taken part in bowel cancer screening. 52% of eligible Queenslanders have taken part in breast cancer screening (through BreastScreen Queensland), and 56% of eligible Queenslanders have taken part in cervical cancer screening. That’s still a lot of Queenslanders due for a screening! If you’re overdue, book in today.
See how you’re doing!
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Data from the latest Report of the Chief Health Officer Queensland, Australian Bureau of Statistics and Cancer Council Queensland researchers.
