University of Cape Town (UCT) Professor Lynette Denny has won a prestigious South African Medical Research Council's (SAMRC) Gold Medal for her research in cervical cancer, which affects 80% of black women in South Africa.

Denny, a senior specialist in gynecological oncology in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at UCT and Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH), has been researching methods of cancer prevention among poor women since 1995.

The medal awarded during SAMRC's golden jubilee on November 7, recognized Denny as an outstanding South African scientist, whose excellent research has raised the profile of science in the country as well as the continent.

Speaking during the award presentation, Prof Denny said It is a great honor and acknowledgment of her 25 years of work in cervical cancer research, and further used the award to make a plea for greater awareness of and efforts to detect the disease

Her major achievements have been in gynecological oncology, particularly cervical cancer, and screening in a primary care context. She has established major research programs that have attracted considerable research funding. In addition, she also played a crucial role in developing the Western Cape protocol for the management of survivors of sexual assault.

The SAMRC medals are among South Africa’s most prestigious and are dedicated to contributions to health research in South Africa. Gold Medals are awarded to researchers who have made substantial and influential contributions that have impacted on health, especially in the developing world. Previous recipients include renowned scientists like Profs Rachel Jewkes, Quarraisha Abdool Karim, Soraya Seedat and Charles Parry.

Photo courtesy of UCT website

Article by Jedidah Mwangi

https://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2019-11-08-gold-medal-for-leading-cervical-cancer-researcher