Monika Janda

Professor Janda has three main research interests i) prevention and early detection of cancer (in particular melanoma); ii) improving clinical and supportive care for cancer patients (in particular gynaecological cancers), as well as iii) innovative methods of health services delivery and digital interventions. During the past 5 years, she has a strong research focus on improving the early detection of melanoma using digital and telehealth methods such as mobile teledermoscopy and enhanced skin self-examination. In her cancer work she contributed essentially to the LACE trial which changed the current standard treatment for early stage endometrial cancer worldwide. She has supervised 24 postgraduate students to completion.

Her research in the field of behavioural oncology has made exceptional contributions to science and impacted how preventive and clinical care is delivered through:

Behavioural and clinical trials: Developed new digital and behavioural interventions, and supported innovation in the delivery of medical interventions. Tested the impact of interventions on behavioural, health and cost outcomes in individually or cluster randomised trials. These trials resulted in changes to prevention, treatment and supportive care, and resulted in improved quality of life for many patients. In addition, they were cost-effective and resulted in savings for either people themselves or the healthcare system.

Quality of life and psychosocial outcomes assessment tools: Developed internationally used quality of life assessment tools and tested their reliability and validity. Used classical psychometric and item response-theory methods, and developed questionnaires suitable for adaptive testing. Such questionnaires will reduce the burden on respondents when completing them, and save time and costs.

Policy and Practice impact: Research has informed more than 30 clinical practice guidelines globally, and more than 20 international policy documents, resulting in changes to preventive and clinical practice. Research is referenced by special collections produced by Cochran, The US Surgeon General, and NICE, besides many others. Work influenced four position statements endorsed by Medical Colleges and/or Cancer Agencies. Has resulted in skin cancer prevention targets for Queensland.

Privately Monika is passionate about cycling and increasing urban space for cycling, and has founded and co-leads a sustainability initiative in her local suburb.