Dr Helen Zorbas

Dr Helen Zorbas has stepped down as CEO of Cancer Australia to be replaced by medical oncologist Professor Dorothy Keefe.

Speaking on 2 July, Dr Zorbas said she was proud to have led Cancer Australia since 2011, during which time there had been major improvements to the lives of Australians affected by cancer.

She said she would like to thank the many cancer groups who had worked in collaboration to address disparities and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer.

“Working with cancer foundations and philanthropic organisations, researchers and clinical trials groups, health professionals and clinical colleges, cancer and consumer advocacy organisations, policy makers, colleagues in the Ministries and department of health and our sister health agencies, people of influence and high public profile, and individuals affected by cancer, we have delivered impactful gains which would not otherwise have been possible,” said Dr Zorbas.

“I wish my successor Professor Dorothy Keefe, supported by the Cancer Australia Advisory Council and Chair Professor Bob Thomas OAM, every success.”

The new CEO, Professor Keefe, is the Interim Director of the SA Cancer Service, Professor of Cancer Medicine at the University of Adelaide and a senior medical oncologist at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

However, the government agency tasked with managing cancer control faces a future of belt tightening, with Cancer Australia’s annual budget to be cut from $33.5 million to $30.5 million by 2021.