A number of oncologists, cancer group advocates and lobbyists have been recognised in the Australian Day Honours list.

Professor David Ball, a thoracic radiation oncologist in Victoria and Director, Lung Tumour Stream,  Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, is made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) “for distinguished service to medicine in the field of radiation oncology, to medical education, and to professional bodies.”

His fellow radiation oncologist at the Peter Mac, Dr Bronwyn King is also awarded an AO for her work in encouraging divestment from tobacco industry, as CEO, Tobacco Free Portfolios.

Honours went to other anti-tobacco campaigners including Professor Melanie Wakefield, Director, Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria (AO) and Mr Maurice Swanson AO, National Heart Foundation tobacco control spokesperson, and President of the Australian Council on Smoking and Health (ASH).

CEO of Cancer Council Australia, Professor Sanchia Aranda, becomes an AO in the Honours, for significant service to community health, particularly to cancer control and nursing.

Also recognised were:

• Professor Afaf Girgis, Director, Psycho-Oncology Research Group, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research University of NSW, who becomes a Member of Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to medicine, and to medical education, in the field of cancer control and psycho-oncology.
• Medical oncologist Dr Nathan Cherny becomes an AM for significant service to medicine, and to education, in the fields of palliative care and medical oncology.
• Professor Maria Kavallaris, Head, Tumour, Biology and Targeting Program, at the Children’s Cancer Institute, NSW receives an AM for “for significant service to medicine, and to medical research, in the field of childhood and adult cancers.”
• Professor David Whiteman, Deputy Director, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland receives an AM for “significant service to medical research in the field of cancer epidemiology.”
• Dr Katharine Drummond, a neurosurgeon and founder of neuro-oncology services at the Royal Melbourne Hospital receives an AM for significant service to medicine in the field of neuro-oncology, and to community health.