Cancer Research
At QIMR Berghofer, our leading cancer researchers are developing new techniques that will help us to understand, prevent, detect, and treat cancer, which is the leading cause of death in Australia.
Leading cancer research
Cancer cases are expected to grow to 185,000 over the next decade as Australia’s population ages. It is the second most common cause of death, exceeded only by cardiovascular disease.
Our researchers are working on a number of projects which include:
- Prevention: identifying specific modifiable environmental and genetic factors that reduce a person’s risk of developing cancer;
- Detection: developing better screening tests, so that cancer can be detected earlier;
- Treat: identifying better treatments for cancer and conduct clinical trials to test for effectiveness.
Although overall cancer survival rates have improved in the past 20 years, several types of cancer have poor five-year survival rates. These include ovarian, brain, oesophageal, lung, pancreas and colorectal cancer. The research at QIMR Berghofer is aimed at developing a better understanding of who is at risk of particular types of cancer and how treatment options can be tailored and more effective.
Our researchers continue to pioneer novel strategies and treatments across a broad range of cancers to help save lives and improve the quality of treatment.
Professor Juliet French
Professor Juliet French is the Program Director of Cancer Research and Head of the Functional Genetics Laboratory at QIMR Berghofer.
Professor Juliet French
Program Director
Professor French’s laboratory seeks to understand genetic variants in non-coding regions of the genome influence cancer risk and progression. Their ultimate aim is to pinpoint key genes and pathways involved in the development of cancer, to identify potential new treatments and interventions.
Our cancer research labs
Dr Nils Halberg
Professor Vicki Whitehall
Associate Professor Tracy O’Mara
Professor Steven Lane
Professor Stacey Edwards
Dr Siok Tey
Dr Olga Kondrashova
Professor Nicholas Hayward
Dr Nic Waddell
Associate Professor Michelle Wykes
Dr Lachlan Harris
Professor Juliet French
Associate Professor Jonathan Beesley
John Pearson
Associate Professor Jason Lee
Professor Glen Boyle
Professor Georgia Chenevix-Trench
Professor Fabienne Mackay
Dr Claudia Bruedigam
Professor Bryan Day
Dr Bill Dougall
Associate Professor Antiopi Varelias
Diseases & conditions
Learn more about our life-changing research into diseases and conditions.
Research programs
QIMR Berghofer is a world-leading medical research institute, renowned for our efforts in both discovery and real patient research.
Infection and Inflammation
We're tackling globally important diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites, as well as systemic chronic inflammation.
Population Health
Our ultimate goal is preventing ill-health in communities and improving patient care, quality of life, and survival rates, so that all Australians and our regional neighbours have the opportunity to enjoy good health.
Cancer
Preventing the leading cause of death in Australia.
Brain and Mental Health
Half of all Australians experience mental ill-health at some stage in their lives. Our researchers are developing treatments, finding the causes, and working out how to prevent these conditions.