Dr Ben Lancashire

06/03/2026

30/06/2024

The end of an era!

Professor Chris Pyke performed his final private practice operating list last week.

Chris commenced surgical training in 1984, and trained under my father (Ray Lancashire) at the Mater Hospital! He undertook post-fellowship training at the Mayo Clinic (USA) and the Nottingham Breast Unit (UK). On return to Australia, he set up private practice at the Mater Private Hospital in 1991. Chris took up a position as senior lecturer with The University of Queensland and completed a PhD in breast cancer risk quantification. He also completed a post-graduate diploma in oncoplastic breast surgery.

Chris was the Director of Surgery, and my own Consultant (boss!) at the Mater Hospital when I was a surgical trainee.

Chris’ achievements are immense - to list them all is impossible. He has had roles as the Vice President of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, and their Chairman for the Court of Examiners. He spent 4 years as the president of BreastSurgANZ and has been the Chairman of the Board for the Foundation for Breast Cancer Care. Chris chairs the Mater Private Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Team Meeting, has led studies with Mater Research, and is a passionate fundraiser for the Mater Foundation.

Chris is not only a talented surgeon and great colleague, but also a compassionate and hilarious person (if you love “dad jokes” 🤣).

He looks forward to continuing his role as the Director of Medical Services and hopefully spending more time with his family.

It’s been a pleasure and an honour to work with him over the years. Congratulations Professor Pyke!

10/03/2024

My 8th time participating in the Mater Chick’s In Pink International Women’s Day Fun Run! This event raises funds for life-saving breast cancer research, medical equipment and practical services for those affected by breast cancer.

Another sold out event was blessed with spectacular Brisbane weather. Many thanks for all of those who participated and donated. I will see you all there again next year!

06/02/2024

My pink sidekicks 💕

Some light training for the upcoming International Women’s Day Fun Run with a family spin around the park. My little pink sidekicks keeping me motivated as only daughters can! 🏃🏻🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️

28/06/2023

Fortunately, I am a better surgeon than I am a speaker 🫣. But that’s ok, because it is for a good cause!!

Today is Mater Giving Day and from NOW until midnight, every donation received will be TRIPLED by the incredible Matched Givers!! 💰💰💰

Your generous donation will help to deliver life-saving medical equipment, research, education and healthcare throughout Queensland. I see first-hand, the difference this makes for my patients and those cared for at Mater facilities.

Thank you to the delightful Melissa Downes, for being a wonderful ambassador for Mater Giving Day (and very professional and forgiving host to rambling doctor!).

Please follow the link to donate: https://mater.li/3Ndyvlg

28/06/2023

Today is Mater Giving Day! This extraordinary fundraiser unites Mater staff, patients, loved ones and supporters with gratitude to deliver life-saving medical equipment, research, education and healthcare throughout Queensland. I see, first-hand, the difference that your generous donations this make for my patients and those cared for at Mater facilities.

From NOW until midnight, every donation received will be TRIPLED by the incredible Matched Givers!!

Please follow the link if you are able to donate: https://mater.li/3Ndyvlg

26/03/2023

A lovely day at the Races!

Olivia’s Race Day is held in memory of Olivia Clark (26.02.01–04.03.01), born prematurely at the Mater Mothers’ Hospital in Brisbane. Olivia sadly lost her struggle for life.

In years past, this event has raised vital funds for the Mater’s Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU).

This year, proceeds will go towards the Mater’s new perinatal mental health support facility: Catherine’s House at the Mater Hospital, South Brisbane.

Catherine’s House will support mothers and families who are experiencing mental health issues around the time that their baby is born.

12/03/2023

What an event! The 2023 International Women’s Day Fun Run was amazing with 20,000 participants pounding the Brisbane pavement, raising more than $1.95m!!!

These funds will go towards critical breast cancer services and research.

Thank you to all the participants and sponsors (especially to those who donated to me!). I look forward to seeing you all there next year!

06/03/2023

This introductory video on the parathyroid glands provides some very basic information on what they are and what they do.

These clever little things are so important in regulating so many of our vital organs and keep our bodies moving along from day to day. Not only are they fascinating, but the parathyroidectomy is one of my favourite operations to perform!

This is the first in a series of endocrine-based videos. I look forward to expanding on this one with a follow-up video on hyperparathyroidism and parathyroid surgery.

27/02/2023

The 2023 International Women’s Day Fun Run is on Sunday 12th of March 2023! I’ll be joining the sea of pink (for the 7th time!!) to raise funds for breast cancer services and research. Please consider donating to this great cause.

I’ll be floating around after my run in the Finisher’s Village – come and say “hi!”!!

30/10/2022

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month draws to a close, I have just one take home message: "Be Breast Aware".🎀🙏