TRACKER Celebrates Dr Tracy Leong’s Leadership and Women of Influence Award

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In a well-deserved recognition, Dr Tracy Leong has been honoured with the prestigious Women of Influence Award from Lung Foundation Australia. This accolade, announced just in time for International Women’s Day, celebrates her exceptional dedication to lung cancer research, patient care, and her unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for those affected by this devastating disease.

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Dr Leong shared her heartfelt gratitude for the recognition. “I am humbled and immensely grateful for the recognition of my work in lung cancer,” she said. “This award is not just for me - it shines a light on the importance of lung cancer research and the incredible community working tirelessly to change the future of this disease.”

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. In Australia alone, nearly one person loses their life to lung cancer every hour. What’s even more alarming is the changing face of the disease - diagnoses and deaths among women, particularly younger women, are on the rise. A startling one in three women diagnosed with lung cancer are never smokers, a fact that deeply resonates with Dr Leong. “If they can get lung cancer, so can I,” she reflected, highlighting the urgent need for continued research and awareness.

Committed to making a difference

As a compassionate and dedicated clinician, Dr Leong has the privilege of providing direct care to individuals with lung cancer. Yet, she recognises that to make a truly widespread and lasting impact, discoveries must be made that benefit hundreds, if not thousands, of patients. This belief fuels her passion for translational research - bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and real-world patient treatment.

One of the greatest challenges in lung cancer research has been obtaining sufficient tissue samples in a way that is both safe and comfortable for patients. Reflecting on her own PhD journey, Dr Leong recalled the immense effort required: “It took six years to generate enough data from just 11 patients. That experience made it clear how crucial it is to have better resources to accelerate research.”

Determined to address this issue, Dr Leong joined forces with a collaborative group of lung cancer clinicians, scientists, and consumers to establish the TRACKER lung cancer biobank in 2022. TRACKER is the first national repository of tissue and data dedicated solely to lung cancer. Using a minimally invasive technique called bronchoscopy, the biobank collects and tracks patient samples from the time of diagnosis throughout their treatment journey. This innovative approach ensures researchers have the resources needed to make groundbreaking discoveries that can lead to better treatments and improved patient outcomes. Today, TRACKER spans five states, with 11 recruitment sites and nine leading scientific institutes working together toward this shared mission.

"This award raises the visibility of lung cancer research,” Dr Leong emphasised. “It elevates the profile of the women and men who work relentlessly to transform lung cancer into a condition with which you live well, and to which you do not succumb. It raises hope.”

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An Inspiring Leader

In addition to her trailblazing work, Dr Leong paid tribute to the women who have shaped her journey. She expressed her deep admiration for women in leadership roles who have inspired her with their grace, dedication, and courage - especially Prof. Lucy Morgan. She also acknowledged the invaluable support of her female colleagues and collaborators, who have uplifted and encouraged her along the way.

Finally, Dr Leong extended a heartfelt thank you to the next generation of strong, determined women - her PhD students, trainees, and her two daughters. “They remind me every day why I continue to do this work,” she said. “Their passion, curiosity, and strength inspire me to keep pushing forward, striving for a future where lung cancer no longer takes so many lives.”

TRACKER is incredibly proud to celebrate Dr Tracy Leong’s vision, dedication, and influence. Her unwavering commitment to advancing lung cancer research and patient care has already made a profound impact, and this award is a testament to the difference she continues to make. Congratulations, Dr Leong, your work inspires us all!