As CEO of Cancer Council NSW since 1998, Dr Andrew Penman is determined to not only improve the lives of cancer patients, but to work towards a goal that sees cancer defeated.
He has led the organisation towards viewing cancer as a social issue and not just a medical issue, as much of what leads to cancer is socially determined. Thus to meet a real need in the community, Cancer Council’s focus is not just on cancer support, but also on cancer prevention and healthy living.
Andrew has worked at home and abroad in emergency medicine, primary health care and public health, including within the Health Department of Western Australia and as the Director of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion for the NSW Health Department. He has degrees in biochemistry and medicine from the University of Queensland.
In 2010, Andrew was appointed Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his contribution to public health.