Prof John Boyages

Prof John Boyages is an experienced Radiation Oncologist practicing in Revesby, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. With over 35 years of expertise, Prof Boyages specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. He is associated with Icon Cancer Centre Wahroonga, Icon Cancer Centre Gosford, and Icon Cancer Centre Revesby.

Prof Boyages completed his medical training at the University of Sydney in 1981 and began his specialist training at Westmead Hospital in 1983. Further enhancing his skills, he undertook a prestigious breast cancer fellowship at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University, from 1987 to 1988. He subsequently established his radiation oncology career at Westmead Hospital, where he became the founding director of the Western Breast Screening Unit and the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute.

In 2011, Prof Boyages was appointed as the director of the cancer program at Macquarie University, where he established the Australian Lymphoedema Education Research and Treatment (ALERT) program. He continues to serve as an honorary consultant at the ALERT program.

Joining Icon Cancer Centre in August 2019, Prof John Boyages collaborates with radiation therapist Lesley Baker to provide innovative treatments for breast cancer patients. They have developed, published, and mentored clinicians on the use of Volumetric Arc Radiation Therapy (VMAT) techniques for breast cancer. VMAT aims to optimize cancer control while minimizing the impact on normal tissues, resulting in fewer side effects compared to conventional radiation therapy. Together, they ensure that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs, enabling them to continue working and taking care of their families during this challenging time. In addition to breast cancer treatment, Prof Boyages and the Icon team provide comprehensive information on nutrition, exercise, prevention and early detection of lymphoedema, body image, sexuality, follow-up care, and psychological support.

Prof Boyages is a prolific author who has published over 180 clinical research articles in leading publications focusing on breast cancer and lymphoedema. He has written three books titled "Taking Control" on breast cancer, male breast cancer, and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) for patients. He is frequently invited to peer review articles related to breast cancer and lymphoedema.

Recognized for his significant contributions, Prof Boyages was awarded an Order of Australia (AM) in January 2017 for his "significant service to medicine in the specialty of radiation oncology as a clinician, to medical education, to professional organizations, and to people with breast cancer." He accepts referrals for various breast diseases, including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), locally advanced and inflammatory breast cancer, lymphoedema, and recurrent breast cancer.

Prof Boyages is fluent in Greek in addition to English, which allows him to effectively communicate with a diverse patient population. He is a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences, patient support groups, the McGrath Foundation, and the Breast Cancer Network Australia, where he shares his expertise and insights.