Dorothy Keefe

Chief Executive Officer, Cancer Australia

Professor Dorothy Keefe has led Cancer Australia, Australia’s national cancer agency, since 2019 and has just been reappointed for a second three-year term. Prior to this she had a long and distinguished career as a medical oncologist at the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH), and as Professor of Cancer Medicine at the University of Adelaide, where she remains an Honorary Clinical Professor. She is working clinically one session per week at the RAH as a volunteer during the COVID surge.

Her long-term research interest is in Supportive Care in Cancer. She has led cancer services at all levels, as well as health reform in South Australia. She has a Master’s degree in Medical Leadership and a strong interest in advocacy, career development and mentoring.

She is committed to patient-centred care, reducing unnecessary variation in cancer outcomes, and to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by cancer. During her tenure as CEO, she has led the enquiry into Lung Cancer Screening for Australia and is leading the development of the first national Australian Cancer Plan.

Updated: September 2022