Epidemiologist Mary-Louise McLaws gives update on cancer fight

One of Australia’s most beloved Covid figureheads has given an update on her battle with brain cancer, as she is recognised in the Queen’s Birthday honours.

One of Australia’s most beloved Covid figureheads has given an update on her battle with brain cancer, after she was suddenly diagnosed earlier this year.

University of New South Wales epidemiologist and World Health Organisation (WHO) adviser Mary-Louise McLaws revealed in January that after experiencing a “severe headache”, doctors found a brain tumour.

Professor McLaws announced her treatment was under way in February, encouraging those following her journey to support future brain tumour research by donating to Carrie Bickmore’s Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer.

Now the expert has given another update on her health, after being recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours list, alongside the likes of NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant, tennis champion Ash Barty and late cricketer Shane Warne.

Prof McLaws has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for “distinguished service to medical research, particularly epidemiology and infection prevention, to tertiary education, and to health administration”.

UNSW epidemiologist Mary-Louise McLaws has given an update on her brain cancer fight. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

Professor McLaws was a regular feature on national broadcast programs and online news sites throughout the pandemic.

Speaking to the ABC, she said she was “absolutely honoured that I’m getting this award”.

“This doesn’t happen very often at all,” Prof McLaws said.

An epidemiologist of 30 years, Prof McLaws was a regular feature on national broadcast programs and online news sites throughout the pandemic, providing important and timely public information in what was an uncertain and volatile time for all Australians.

After a severe headache Thursday, I was diagnosed with a brain tumour. I will now be on a month's sick leave from UNSW and WHO. Thank you media for helping me spread knowledge. Now it is time with my family.
Best wishes to you all.

— Mary-Louise McLaws (@MarylouiseMcla1) January 15, 2022

“Now all of a sudden the Australian community’s caring for me,” she told the national broadcaster.

“I have been very fortunate to be well-organised by doctors and nurses.”

While Prof McLaws wrote on Twitter at the time of her diagnosis that she would be taking “a month’s sick leave”, she said she was in no rush to return to work.

“Right now, I’m enjoying the family, the kids, some friends while I’m on leave,” Prof McLaws said.

“I have a perfect husband who makes great dinner and lunches. So for the moment, I’m going to enjoy this change.”

Lisa Wilkinson fought back tears on The Project as she delivered an emotional message to the ‘very dear friend’ of the show. Picture: Channel 10

Many Australians were devastated when Prof McLaws shared the news, receiving an outpouring of well wishes for her quick recovery and return to work from hundreds of her medical colleagues, journalists and members of the public.

The Project’s Lisa Wilkinson was among those to pay tribute to Prof McLaws, fighting back tears on the program while delivering an emotional message to the “very dear friend” of the show.

“Mary-Louise, I think it’s fair to say that all of us here at The Project were heartbroken to hear the news,” Wilkinson said.

“In these troubled times, your calm, considered information and advice has been invaluable to millions of Australians across the country and we want to thank you so much for being so generous with your knowledge, your time, and we wish you and your beautiful family all the strength in the world at this difficult time.

“Just make sure you put that wonderful husband of yours, aka the pool boy, to good work.”