A decade of dedication celebrated

Queensland business leader and long time supporter of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Clive Berghofer (AM) was honoured at a special lunch today to celebrate his 10 years of support for cancer research at QIMR.

QIMR’s Director, Professor Frank Gannon said Mr Berghofer’s support has lead to a number of achievements in cancer research over the last 10 years.

“So many of the discoveries we have made at QIMR over the last decade would not have happened without Clive’s generous support,” Professor Gannon said.

Together with advancing our understanding of the changes that occur and give rise to cancer, QIMR’s biggest achievements in cancer research since 2001, for which they received worldwide recognition, include:

• Finding a link between obesity and oesophageal cancer
• Proving that sunscreen use reduces the risk of melanoma
• Discovering that colorectal polyps are a precursor to colorectal cancer
• Determining that sunbeds increase the risk of melanoma
• Identifying genes that are linked to increased risk of cancer

Professor Gannon said that Mr Berghofer’s ongoing dedication to the cause has been essential in improving our understanding of cancer.

“Cancer touches every Australian’s life, whether directly or through a friend or family member, so Clive and QIMR are dedicated to continue working on improving the prevention and treatment of this disease.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to thank Clive for his invaluable continued support and it’s a wonderful way to top off Philanthropy Week, where we recognise that giving can improve the community’s wellbeing.”

Clive Berghofer is a property developer, former Toowoomba Mayor, former State MLA for Toowoomba South and philanthropist.

QIMR’s Clive Berghofer Cancer Research Centre is named in Mr Berghofer’s honour to acknowledge his long-term and ongoing support of ground-breaking and life-saving cancer research.