The International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS), South African Society of Gynaecological Oncology (SASGO), and the University of Cape Town's Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Professor Lynette Denny. Lyn was a highly respected figure in the field of Gynecologic Oncology and served as the President of the IGCS from 2012 to 2014.
Professor Denny was a prolific researcher, who particularly focused on cervical cancer prevention in low-income countries. She authored over 150 articles and was a dedicated advocate for women's health. Her commitment extended beyond her academic contributions; she was deeply passionate about combating violence against women and children and cancer advocacy.
In South Africa, Professor Denny was honoured with The Order of Disa, a recognition for her exceptional service to the community. She was also named a Pioneer for Peace and Human Dignity and received the South African Woman of the Year in Science and an award for her significant support to abused women and children in Cape Town. Most recently, she was awarded a lifetime achievement award by the South African Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (SASOG). The President of South Africa conferred upon her The Order of the Baobab Silver award, awarded to distinguished contributions by South African citizens in their area of specialty.
Internationally, Professor Denny's work was recognized with numerous awards including the IGCS Global Humanitarian Award, a Fellowship ad eundem by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) as well as accolades from the German Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (BSCCP), International Federation of Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy (IFCPC) the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), various international societies of cervical pathology and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Additionally, she served on the editorial boards of numerous prestigious journals, including Cancer, International Journal of Cancer, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Lancet, Lancet Oncology, Lancet Global Health, Lancet Infectious Diseases, Cancer Therapy, New England Journal of Medicine, AIDS and many more.
Lyn also played a pivotal role as an author, guideline developer, and adviser for the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and lately, The Lancet Commission.
Lyn was particularly passionate about Africa and the development of its people. She was a committed secretary-treasurer of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) from 2004 until 2017. Under her leadership, the organization was revived with an office in Cape Town, South Africa; the growth of the organisation since its inception is testimony to her great commitment, volunteerism and energy. Her focus and love were concentrated on the disenfranchised people of the continent, whom she loved with all her heart.
Professor Lynette Denny's legacy will continue to inspire and influence the field of gynaecologic oncology, and her compassionate dedication to women's health will be remembered by all who had the privilege of working with her.
She leaves behind an indelible legacy and inspiration to us all- aligned with the vision of Africa 2063!
The Africa we want!
Dr. Nomonde Mbatani
SASGO Chairperson
Dr. Keiichi Fujiwara
IGCS President
Dr. Greta Dreyer
IGCS President Elect
