Statement in memory of Professor Lynette Denny, on behalf of the International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS)
It is with deep sadness that the leadership of the International Papillomavirus Society learnt about the passing of Professor Lynette Denny on 9 June 2024.Dr. Denny devoted her life to preventing cervical cancer through her research and her clinical services. While bravely battling repeated recurrences of breast cancer, she continued to contribute to science and to her mission of preventing cervical cancer among the most vulnerable women up until the day she passed. Her research informed national cervical cancer screening policies and programs among LMICs and Africa in particular. Dr. Denny’s research legacy continues as it has informed several large on-going cervical cancer screening trials among women living with HIV in both Latin America and Africa.
Dr Denny received various awards from international and national organisations around the world. To cite some examples, she received the IGCS Global Humanitarian Award, 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), and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Additionally, Dr Denny received many awards and recognitions in South Africa, including a recent lifetime achievement award by the South African Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. She was honoured with The Order of Disa which recognized her outstanding service to the community. Also, Dr Denny was named a Pioneer for Peace and Human Dignity. The President of South Africa conferred upon her The Order of the Baobab Silver award. It is awarded to South African citizens for their exceptional commitment and contributions in their area of specialty.
Dr. Denny will be remembered as a giant clinician and clinical researcher whose legacy will last for many ages.
