Cancer Council Queensland CEO, Professor Jeff Dunn AO, has been appointed to the Board of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
Professor Dunn was elected a Director by international colleagues at the UICC General Assembly and World Cancer Congress in Melbourne.
CEO of the UICC, Mr Cary Adams, congratulated Jeff on the appointment.
“UICC unites the cancer community to reduce the global cancer burden and its growing membership of over 800 organisations in 155 countries features the world’s major cancer societies, research and treatment institutes, ministries of health and patient groups and includes influential policy makers, researchers and experts in cancer prevention and control,” Mr Adams said.
“Jeff brings considerable skills, knowledge and experience to the Board.
“His contribution to international cancer control includes service as President of the Asian Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention, Secretary of the International Psycho-Oncology Society, and Chair of Reach to Recovery International.
“As a Board Member, Jeff will play a key role in our global advocacy efforts to put cancer on the global health and development agenda and contribute to achieving the 2025 targets of the World Cancer Declaration.”
Chairman of Cancer Council Queensland, Mr Graham Gibson QC, welcomed the news.
“The appointment is a testimony to Jeff’s very considerable and distinguished service to cancer control, and to research, and reflects the high esteem in which he is held by his international peers,” Mr Gibson said.
“Professor Dunn has dedicated more than 25 years of service to cancer control research and support for patients, establishing Queensland’s first specialised cancer counselling service and a population-based research centre at Cancer Council Queensland.
“His academic achievements and career have been devoted to improving supportive care for cancer patients and improving patients’ survival outcomes and quality of life.”
Professor Dunn will be one of only three Australians ever to have represented Australian cancer control organisations as a Board Member of the UICC.
“Professor Dunn’s international contributions have played a very significant role in advancing cancer care in Queensland, Australia, and, indeed, globally through extensive collaborations and partnerships with organisations such as the UICC and IPOS,” Mr Gibson said.
“Building on evidence that at least one in three cancer patients experience clinically significant distress, he has been a leading global proponent of initiatives to address the mental health burden of cancer, to enhance patient-centred care.”
In June this year Professor Dunn was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia, in recognition of his international leadership and service on matters of cancer control.
“These outcomes help to strengthen Cancer Council Queensland’s profile and international impact, for the greater benefit of all Queenslanders,” Prof Dunn said.
“Over the past 25 years working for Cancer Council Queensland, I have seen tremendous progress towards eliminating cancer as a life-threatening disease for future generations.
“Many more people are surviving a cancer diagnosis today, an achievement that has been accelerated by community action and engagement in cancer control initiatives.
“It is with deep appreciation that I recognise the contribution of Cancer Council Queensland’s volunteers, fundraisers, donors, employees, and the countless number of Queenslanders who so generously give their time and energy to help us deliver on our mission.
“I am honoured to be appointed a Board Director of the UICC and gratefully acknowledge the work of all those who serve as champions for a cancer free future.
“I look forward to serving the UICC to further underpin our collaborative work towards a cancer free future and attainment of the targets in the World Cancer Declaration.”