“The story of brain cancer in this country can change and if we build the right systems and work together, we can give future patients a chance at survival.”
Professor Lindy Jeffree
After decades as a neurosurgeon treating brain cancer patients, Professor Lindy Jeffree realised something: treating one patient at a time was never going to be enough.
She knew real change needed to happen at a national level to give brain cancer patients a chance.
Since becoming Chair of Brain Cancer Australia’s National Consortium in 2020, Lindy has been instrumental in developing research infrastructure designed to advance research and improve care.
As part of International Women's Day on Sunday, 8 March we celebrate Lindy’s leadership and the difference she is making for brain cancer patients.
With a strong interest in the power of big data, Lindy is leading the Australian Brain Cancer Registry (ABCR) – the first in the world to capture population-wide diagnosis, treatment and outcome data for brain cancer patients. The ABCR’s inaugural report was launched last year featuring population-wide Queensland data, which is now publicly available.
“In the absence of effective brain cancer treatments, the fastest way to improve survival is to ensure every patient receives optimal care," said Lindy.
The Queenslad data already shows where care meets best practice and where there are gaps – a critical first step in helping hospitals and clinicans lift standards of care. Data from other states and territories will be progressively added during 2026 and 2027, expanding the ABCR to full national coverage.
“The story of brain cancer in this country can change and if we build the right systems and work together, we can give future patients a chance at survival,” said Lindy.
