"Brain cancer data helps us understand what’s working and where things can be improved so that all patients can get consistent care.”
Margaret Dimech
Brain Cancer Australia Consumer Advisory Panel
Scientist and brain cancer advocate Margaret Dimech joins the Consumer Advisory Panel.
Margaret Dimech had already faced breast cancer, but when she started feeling disoriented five years later, it marked the beginning of an even tougher diagnosis—brain cancer.
In November 2017, she underwent an awake craniotomy to partially remove a grade 2 astrocytoma.
The months after surgery were tough with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Margaret struggled with fatigue and language recall which made everyday tasks more difficult.
Despite being given a five-year prognosis, Margaret’s MRIs remain stable seven years on. She now draws on her lived experience and scientific expertise to contribute to Brain Cancer Australia’s Consumer Advisory Panel.
A trained medical scientist, she previously worked in pathology and rare tumour research, including large-scale data projects. “Data helps us understand what’s working—like why one person gets surgery and another doesn’t – and where things can be improved so that all patients can get consistent care.”
As part of Brain Cancer Awareness Month this May, Brain Cancer Australia is highlighting the fundraisers, families, clinicians and researchers—like Margaret—working together to drive faster breakthroughs.
