A round of applause is in order!
Australian behavioural scientist and cancer control expert Professor Jeff Dunn AO has today become President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
Professor Dunn is one of Australia's longest serving cancer charity CEOs and a recognised World Cancer Leader. He is Chair of Cancer Survivorship at the University of Southern Queensland, and the current Chief of Mission and Head of Research of Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
He has assumed the role of President for a two-year period until October 2024, supported by a ballot of 1200 UICC member organisations around the world.
Outgoing UICC President (2020-2022) Dr Anil D'Cruz of India welcomed Professor Dunn's election.
"The members of the UICC have confirmed their confidence in Professor Dunn's leadership for the future," Dr D'Cruz said.
"He has dedicated his career to improving Australian and worldwide cancer control, serving as Treasurer of the UICC for the past six years and as an elected Director on the Board for the last eight years.
"Over his 30 years of involvement in UICC's work, Professor Dunn has accelerated our progress towards the elimination of cancer, broadening global knowledge on the physical, psychosocial, spiritual and economic impacts of cancer.
"He has been key in securing international endorsement of Quality Standards of Care, helping us to address the life-long effects of cancer on individuals and the community, so that patients and their loved ones can attain optimal quality of life."
Professor Dunn thanked his Australian and international colleagues and acknowledged the community for its support.
"Being called to contribute my time and expertise as President of UICC is a great honour and a wonderful opportunity to fortify our global work at the local level to save lives," Professor Dunn said.
"As President I will continue to devote my time to addressing the health and wellbeing of our community, to prevent cancer when we can and to support those diagnosed when it strikes.
"My work will continue to take a special focus on engaging world leaders, policy makers, and professionals in adopting Quality Standards of Care in universal systems of practice, to ensure that those who are living with the disease are living well.
"Timely, targeted action is key, building on historical efforts to harness our collective capacity and inspire action towards our goal of a 25 per cent reduction in premature mortality by 2025 and realisation of the 2020 WHO Global Strategy for the elimination of cervical cancer.
"I remain committed to forging global friendships that help to influence and accelerate change, strengthening the frameworks of local and worldwide survivorship.
"Above all, my Presidency will be guided by the patient voice – listening to the needs of our community and making sure they are heard."
NOTEWORTHY COMMENDATIONS
UICC Chief Executive Officer Dr Cary Adams:
- "Professor Dunn has made an outstanding contribution to UICC and to worldwide cancer control over the past 30 years and we are tremendously pleased to welcome Professor Dunn as President. He has been a voice of strength, solidarity, and reason – influencing others to improve treatment and care. I look forward to working with Jeff to continue our striving towards survivorship for all."
Founding CEO and Director of the Translational Research Institute Professor Ian Frazer AC:
- "Professor Dunn's election provides us with an opportunity to harness Australia's leadership and promote our cancer researchers on the world stage. Australia has played a pivotal role in enabling the 2020 WHO Global Strategy on the elimination of cervical cancer, and we can take confidence in knowing Professor Dunn will be leading UICC to gain commitment from national governments and inter-governmental agencies towards implementation of universal cervical cancer immunisation programs, so that the elimination of cervical cancer becomes a reality. I congratulate my friend and a fellow Queenslander on his commencement in this globally significant role."
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia National Chairman Adjunct Associate Professor Stephen Callister
- "The Professor's election recognises his 30-year track record of service to UICC, to international cancer control, and to Australian men and families affected by prostate cancer. To be voted by his peers for global leadership is truly a testimony of the impact that Jeff has had. It also speaks to the increasing relevance and role of PCFA and Australian cancer control advocates in reducing the worldwide burden of cancer."
University of Southern Queensland Vice-Chancellor Professor Geraldine Mackenzie:
- "I offer my warmest congratulations to Professor Dunn on his commencement as President. Professor Dunn has played an important role at the University of Southern Queensland as Professor (Social and Behavioural Science) and Chair (Cancer Survivorship) as part of our Centre for Health Research. His research and work to support numerous joint initiatives with health partners is key to our efforts to improve cancer survivorship and quality of life for regional Australians."
Former world champion Australian batsman Matt Hayden AM:
- "For Australian families living with cancer, everyday life can be pretty tough. Professor Dunn's election gives us a chance to raise our voice as part of a global community, playing as one world team to eliminate cancer. I'm proud to see an Australian captain UICC."
