Two of Australia’s heavy hitters in cancer prevention have been awarded the Cancer Council Medal for their work in driving health policy which has had far-reaching impact on cancer incidence and mortality.

Emeritus Professor Michael Daube, from Curtin University, who pioneered Australia’s tobacco plain-packaging laws, and public health physician Dr Heather Mitchell, who oversaw the landmark review on cervical cancer that led to Australia’s national screening service, have been jointly awarded the medal for distinguished lifetime service.