Associate Professor Mei Ling Yap has received Cancer Australia's 2025 Jeannie Ferris Award.
UNSW Sydney's Associate Professor Mei Ling Yap has been recognised with Cancer Australia's prestigious Jeannie Ferris Award for 2025, acknowledging her leadership in advancing equity in cancer care.
Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Aged Care and Minister for Disability, presented the Jeannie Ferris award during a ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra yesterday.
A/Prof. Yap is a radiation oncologist and researcher at The George Institute for Global Health, the Ingham Institute at UNSW and South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD).
Her clinical, research and educational work is driven by a vision to achieve equity in cancer care, both locally and globally. As a Staff Specialist Radiation Oncologist in SWSLHD, she cares for people with cancer from diverse backgrounds and is deeply committed to working closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and multicultural communities.
"My work has been inspired by the people of South Western Sydney Local Health District, who I have been privileged to provide clinical care to for over 15 years. The last few decades have seen revolutionary discoveries in cancer treatments and technologies, but to truly achieve equity, we must ensure that these are accessible and affordable for all," A/Prof. Yap said.
"This award acknowledges the contribution of my research colleagues and the Australian cancer control community to improving outcomes globally. I have been very fortunate to have worked with dedicated colleagues from the Asia-Pacific Radiation Oncology Special Interest Group, RANZCR as well as global partners, to improve access to radiation therapy in our region."
Dean of Medicine & Health Professor Cheryl Jones congratulated A/Prof. Yap on her award from Cancer Australia.
"Mei's work combines medical expertise, research and advocacy to help ensure every person diagnosed with cancer has equitable access to care. Her commitment to addressing inequities in cancer care, particularly for diverse and disadvantaged communities, is impressive and inspiring," Prof. Jones said.
Advocating equity in cancer care
In addition to her clinical role in SWSLHD, A/Prof. Yap leads cancer programs at the Ingham Institute and The George Institute for Global Health, where her research has shaped national health policy.
Her research into early prostate cancer treatment revealed significant disparities in access to radiation oncology, contributing to changes in the Medicare Benefits Schedule and promoting more equitable, multidisciplinary care.
Her commitment to addressing inequities in cancer care, particularly for diverse and disadvantaged communities, is impressive and inspiring.
Internationally, A/Prof. Yap has forged partnerships with cancer centres across the Asia-Pacific, helping to improve cancer services in countries including Cambodia, Vietnam and Papua New Guinea.
A/Prof. Yap holds a National Health and Medical Research Council Emerging Leader Fellowship investigating cancer control in refugee and recent migrant populations in Australia. In 2024, she was awarded the NSW Premier's Award for Outstanding Cancer Research for 'Improving Equitable Outcomes'.
She leads projects supporting cancer services capacity building in low-and middle-income countries in the Asia-Pacific as co-chair of the Asia-Pacific Special Interest Group of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) and executive member of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) Global Oncology group. This work has included the leading of DFAT-funded programs supporting oncology training for Cambodian clinicians.
Recipients of the 2025 Jeannie Ferris Award
Cancer Australia announced four recipients of the 2025 Jeannie Ferris Award : Lisa Briggs and Dr Margaret Heffernan were jointly recognised for the category 'Members of the Public'; and Professor Gail Garvey and A/Prof. Yap were jointly recognised in the category of 'Health Professionals and Researchers'.
Minister Butler said: "I am delighted to announce the recipients of the 2025 Jeannie Ferris Award, which highlights the remarkable contributions of individuals dedicated to improving cancer awareness, research, and support across Australia.
"By celebrating individuals who have made significant strides in this area, we are reinforcing our commitment to ensuring that every Australian, regardless of background or location, has access to high quality cancer care."
Professor Dorothy Keefe, CEO of Cancer Australia, said the Jeannie Ferris Award supported and promoted the goals of the Australian Cancer Plan, which places equity at the heart of cancer care.
"This year's recipients exemplify the spirit of the Jeannie Ferris Award. Mrs Lisa Briggs, Dr Heffernan, Professor Garvey and Associate Professor Yap, have each made outstanding contributions to advancing equity in cancer care through their dedication and leadership."
The Jeannie Ferris award is named in honour of the late Jeannie Ferris, former Senator for South Australia. Senator Ferris was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in October 2005 and passed away in April 2007.
The Award continues Senator Ferris' legacy and recognises and promotes the value and efforts of consumers, health professionals and researchers in improving equitable outcomes for all Australians affected by all cancers.
