Cancer Council Australia CEO receives Australia Day honour

Professor Sanchia Aranda AM, CEO, Cancer Council Australia has been awarded the Member of the Order of Australia.  

Prof Aranda received the award on Australia Day 2019, in recognition of her significant service to community health, particularly cancer control and nursing.

The Hon. Nicola Roxon, Chair of Cancer Council Australia’s Board, said that the title was suitable recognition of Prof Aranda’s dedication to improving the lives of people affected with cancer not only in Australia, but around world.   

“Professor Aranda started in cancer nursing. Building on her dedication to her patients and first-hand experience caring for those with cancer, she has since built a career that has earnt her an international reputation in cancer control.”

Professor Aranda’s 40-year career has included working as a clinician, researcher, educator and health-system administration. As well as being the current CEO of Cancer Council Australia, she is a former President of the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care and the immediate prior President for the Union for International Cancer Control – an international organisation representing more than 1000 cancer organisations worldwide.

“As CEO of Cancer Council Australia Professor Aranda has particularly shown her passion for helping the disadvantaged. She is a powerful advocate for reducing the inequalities in cancer outcomes experienced by Indigenous Australians, those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, rural areas, or with cancers with poor survival rates,” said Ms Roxon.

Professor Aranda says that she is honoured to receive the award.

“I’m very humbled to receive this award – particularly as so many other great professionals in cancer control have contributed to my work.”