Cancer

We take a distinctive approach to cancer research informed by real-world practice—combining our deep expertise in clinical outcomes reporting and health services research with population-based prevention strategies, large-scale clinical trials and data-driven technologies.

Our research is addressing the burden of cancer right from prevention, screening and early detection through to improved treatments, services and lived experience for patients, families and carers.

Our focus areas

Research units

Cancer Research Program

We use data-driven research to improve the safety and quality of care delivered to cancer patients, and to understand and address the needs and wishes of patients and carers across a wide range of cancers.

Head of Unit

Professor Zoe McQuilten

Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health

We’re a diverse group of researchers with an interest in behavioural epidemiological studies, with an emphasis on exploring nutrition, physical activity, chronic disease, and social isolation to improve physical and mental health.

Director

Professor Karen Walker-Bone

Public Health Genomics

We explore the role of genetic information in public and population health, including research around the role of population screening programs to reduce the risks of inherited cancers.

Head of Unit

Professor Paul Lacaze

Transfusion Research

Our research supports care and outcomes for people living with haematological malignancies, including myeloma and related diseases, lymphoma, and bone marrow dysplasias that require regular blood product transfusion.

Head of Unit

Professor Erica Wood AO

Centres and major initiatives

Australian Centre of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging and Diagnosis (ACEMID) – Victorian hub

Incorporating cutting-edge imaging and AI, our research charts a pathway to earlier skin cancer detection to reduce the incidence of Australia’s most common cancer, and allow for faster, local diagnosis for rural and regional Australians.

Blood Synergy Program

This multi-awarded NHMRC-funded program provides vital new knowledge and data on conventional and novel blood products to improve their use and cost-effectiveness in Australia, including for patients with haematological cancers.

DNA Screen

A landmark trial to demonstrate consumer acceptability, and the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of population-based genomic screening to reduce the incidence of heritable, modifiable conditions, including breast and bowel cancer syndromes.

Melanoma and Skin Cancer Research Centre

We’re home to the academic affiliation of Melanoma and Skin Cancer Trials Ltd, supporting a network of almost 2,000 multidisciplinary professionals and patient advocates working in the field of melanoma and skin cancer.

NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in improving Immunoglobulin use and clinical outcomes (OPTIMAL)

OPTIMAL is providing critical evidence to inform evolving policy and practice around the use of immunoglobulin therapy, including its role in preventing infections among blood cancer patients.

Occupational Cohort Research Program

Our landmark series of cohort studies has tracked cancer incidence and outcomes among a variety of at-risk worker groups for over 30 years, including stone industry workers, firefighters, miners and veterans.