Professor John Boyages is an internationally recognised radiation oncologist, breast cancer specialist and author committed to the expert care of patients with breast disease. Known for his calm and compassionate manner, patients from across Australia and the Asia Pacific regularly seek his opinion.
Biography
Professor John Boyages AM consults at Icon Cancer Centre Wahroonga and can treat patients at Icon Cancer Centre Gosford and Icon Cancer Centre Norwest. Preferring to be called John by his patients, he brings over 35 years’ experience in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
In 1981, John completed his medical training at the University of Sydney and in 1983 commenced his specialist training at Westmead Hospital. Between 1987 and 1988, he held a prestigious breast cancer fellowship position at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard University. He established his radiation oncology career at Sydney’s Westmead Hospital and became the founding director of the Western Breast Screening Unit and the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute. In 2011, John was appointed as director of the cancer program at Macquarie University and also established an internationally recognised Australian Lymphoedema Education Research and Treatment (ALERT) program where he remains an honorary consultant.
John joined Icon Cancer Centre in August 2019 with specialist radiation therapist, Lesley Baker. John and Lesley have developed, published and mentored clinicians about Volumetric Arc Radiation Therapy (VMAT) radiation techniques for patients with breast cancer. The aim of VMAT is to improve cancer control whilst minimising high doses to normal tissues meaning less side-effects than conventional radiation. Together, they help patients develop a personalised solution for their unique needs ensuring patients can choose to continue to work and/or look after their family during this difficult part of their life. Apart from the specifics of breast cancer, together with the Icon team, they ensure the patient has information about nutrition, exercise, prevention and early detection of lymphoedema, body image, sexuality, follow-up care and psychological support.
John has published over 180 clinical research articles in leading publications investigating breast cancer and lymphoedema. He has authored three “Taking Control:” books about breast cancer, male breast cancer and DCIS for patients and is regularly requested to peer review breast cancer and lymphoedema journal articles. In addition to his private practice, John is a regular invited speaker at national and international conferences, patient support groups, the McGrath Foundation and Breast Cancer Network Australia.
In January 2017, he was awarded an Order of Australia (AM) for “significant service to medicine in the specialty of radiation oncology as a clinician, to medical education, to professional organisations and to people with breast cancer”. John accepts referrals for breast disease including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), locally advanced and inflammatory breast cancer, lymphoedema and recurrent breast cancer.