In this special PCFA podcast edition of our Ask the Expert series, we welcome leading Radiation Oncologist Dr Mihir Shanker from Icon Cancer Centre for a practical, informative conversation about radiation therapy and how it’s helping to change the landscape of prostate cancer treatment.
Radiation therapy is one of the most common treatments for prostate cancer, and understanding the different types, and expected outcomes, and emerging technology is key for men and families navigating a diagnosis.
Hosted by global health moderator and cancer survivor Katie Clift, this session breaks down common questions about radiation treatment – from the different types available in Australia, to long-term considerations and advancements in the field. With a deep commitment to evidence-based care and patient support, Dr Shanker brings clear, compassionate guidance on the role of radiation oncology in modern prostate cancer treatment.
Whether you’ve just been diagnosed, are undergoing treatment, or supporting a loved one – this conversation will help you feel more informed and empowered.
For more information and support, please call 1800 22 00 99 or go to prostate.org.au.
HOST
Katie Clift
Director of International Public Relations Agency maybe, Global Moderator, Speaker & Breast Cancer Survivor
Katie Clift is Director of may:be, an international counter-cultural public relations agency. An MBA scholar of Warwick Business School. Katie has worked internationally on both sides of communications – in the media (radio, television & digital journalism) and as a PR, spokesperson, and corporate affairs executive - for both the private and public sectors. She has a decade of experience as a moderator, presenting sessions, interviews and press conferences globally, from the World Economic Forum in Davos to the Union for International Cancer Control’s World Cancer Congress and various in-person and online events. Katie was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer in her 30s, and after 18 months of active treatment, returned to life and work more determined than ever to advocate for people affected by all types of cancer, and upscale communications for nonprofits globally.
EXPERT GUEST
Dr Mihir Shanker, Radiation Oncologist, Icon Cancer Centre
Dr Mihir Shanker is a radiation oncologist at Icon Cancer Centre Redland, Greenslopes and Auchenflower. He holds a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Queensland, Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering with Honours from The University of Melbourne, Master of Philosophy (Research) and Master of Medicine (Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics) from the University of Sydney. He is also a Certified Health Informatician in Australasia (CHIA). Dr Shanker received his specialist radiation oncologist training through the Queensland Radiation Oncology Training Network (QROTN) and was awarded Fellowship to the Royal and Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) in 2022.
Dr Shanker is actively involved in clinical research and trials and the education of medical students, junior doctors and radiation oncology trainees. In collaboration with national and international clinicians, he has published in multiple peer-reviewed journals in the fields of primary brain tumours, brain metastases, spine metastases, radiomic and machine learning and upper gastrointestinal cancers. He is a peer reviewer for several radiation oncology journals, has published textbook chapters on stereotactic radiation therapy to the spine and brain radiation toxicities and presented at national and international conferences. He is currently the Co-Director of Training at Princess Alexandra Hospital.
His clinical experience covers a broad range of solid tumour malignancies, with a special interest in stereotactic radiotherapy, skin cancer, brain and spine (CNS) tumours, upper gastrointestinal cancer, genitourinary cancer, prostate cancer and sarcoma.
