We are proud to announce Dr Thomas Hansen as the recipient of the Russell Conley Anal Cancer Grant.
This community-funded grant was established in memory of our long-serving Chief Executive Officer, Russell Conley, who passed away in November 2024 following a diagnosis of anal cancer.
During his 22 years with the organisation, Russell was a tireless advocate for people impacted by GI cancer. His leadership helped build a collaborative GI oncology research community across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, expand clinical trials, and bring hope to patients and families. The Russell Conley Anal Cancer Grant was created to honour his contributions and strengthen research into a cancer that remains rare, under-recognised, and often burdened by stigma.
Dr Hansen’s research will investigate how subtle differences between human papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes may affect both risk and treatment outcomes for people diagnosed with anal cancer. “By examining small genetic differences within tumours and the viruses that cause them, we hope to identify who is most at risk and tailor treatment and follow-up care to each individual,” he said.
The project has clear potential to improve our understanding of anal cancer.
“We hope this research will lead to better identification of anal cancer and its precursors, allowing care to be tailored to each person’s level of risk. Ultimately, we aim to improve outcomes and quality of life for people affected by anal cancer by bringing more precise, personalised care into everyday clinical practice,” said Dr Hansen.
Beyond scientific impact, the project carries a strong message of hope and progress.
The Russell Conley Anal Cancer Grant is funded by community donations received when Russell publicly shared his journey with anal cancer to raise funds for anal cancer research.
“Receiving this grant in Russell Conley’s memory is deeply meaningful,” Dr Hansen shared. “It honours not only a life lost to the very disease we are trying to fight, but also the ongoing community effort to improve outcomes and reduce stigma for others affected by this disease. This support enables us to continue vital research that can change how anal cancer is detected, monitored, and treated.”
AGITG CEO Joanne Cory said that supporting research in Russell’s name continues the work that mattered most to him. “Russell was deeply committed to ensuring people with GI cancer had access to innovative research and compassionate care,” she said. “We are proud to support Dr Hansen’s research, which embodies the impact Russell devoted his life to achieving.”
As we remember Russell and his remarkable contribution, this grant ensures his legacy lives on – driving research that reduces stigma, expands knowledge, and delivers a better future for people with GI cancer.