Professor Dunn, a behavioural scientist and chief executive of Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, was elected overnight in a ballot involving more than 160 cancer organisations representing over 1100 members at the UICC General Assembly.
He will assume the role of President for the period 2022-2024, succeeding incoming UICC President, Dr Anil D’Cruz of India.
Professor Dunn is one of Australia’s longest serving cancer charity CEOs, a recognised World Cancer Leader, and heads the University of Southern Queensland Centre for Health Research’s Social and Behavioural Science team.
Outgoing UICC President, Princess Dina Mired of Jordan, welcomed Professor Dunn’s election.
“The Members of the UICC have confirmed their confidence in Professor Dunn’s leadership for the future. He has dedicated his career to improving Australian and worldwide cancer control, serving as Treasurer of the UICC for the past four years and as an elected Director for the last six years.
“Over his 30 years of involvement in the 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 the UICC is a great responsibility and a wonderful opportunity to fortify our global work at the local level to save lives,” he said
“As President-Elect, I will continue to devote my time to addressing the health and wellbeing of our loved ones and the community, to prevent cancer when we can and to support those diagnosed when it strikes.
“Above all, I will continue to forge global friendships that help to influence and accelerate change, strengthening the frameworks of local and worldwide survivorship.”
University of Southern Queensland Vice-Chancellor Professor Geraldine Mackenzie offered her warmest congratulations to Professor Dunn on his election.
“Professor Dunn has played an important role at the University as Chair and Research Program Director for Social and Behavioural Sciences in our Centre for Health Research,” Professor Mackenzie said.
“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.”
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Australian Minister for Health, The Hon. Greg Hunt MP:
“Cancer is a major cause of illness in Australia and has a significant social and economic impact on individuals, families, and the community. About 145,000 Australian men, women, and children will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and around 48,000 will die from the disease.
“As President-Elect of the UICC, Professor Dunn will play a leading role in helping Australia and the world community develop strategies and actions to combat the disease and improve survival rates. Professor Dunn’s election reflects strongly on his valuable contribution to the Australian and international cancer control community over 30 years. I commend him on this honour.”
UICC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Cary Adams:
“Professor Dunn has made an outstanding contribution to the UICC and to worldwide cancer control over the past 30 years and we are tremendously pleased to celebrate his election as President-Elect. 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 the 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 election.”
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 the 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.”
Former world champion Australian batsman, Matt Hayden:
“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 the UICC.”
