Prasad Cooray
Prasad is a senior Medical Oncologist committed to delivering excellence in patient-centred cancer care. He has a specialist interest in gastrointestinal cancers, particularly early-onset colorectal cancer, and is recognised nationally for his clinical, research and advocacy work in this field.
Prasad graduated from Monash University with an MBBS (Hons) in 1996. He also completed a Bachelor of Medical Science (Hons), receiving an undergraduate research award and publishing work in platelet function and cell signalling. He undertook specialist training at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Austin Health and The Alfred before establishing Yarra Oncology in 2014. His clinical practice focuses on colorectal, pancreatic, liver, biliary, gastric and oesophageal cancers. He has particular expertise in young-onset colorectal cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer and the development of multidisciplinary treatment strategies aimed at maximising patient outcomes and long-term survival.
Prasad is an Honorary Clinical Lecturer in the Department of Surgery at The University of Melbourne and is actively involved in cancer research and clinical trials. He works closely with surgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and allied health professionals through multidisciplinary teams to ensure every patient benefits from coordinated, evidence-based care.
Beyond clinical practice, Prasad is a spokesperson for Bowel Cancer Australia and a passionate advocate for improving outcomes for people affected by colorectal cancer. He has played a leading role in raising awareness of the growing burden of young-onset colorectal cancer in Australia and contributes to national initiatives aimed at improving early diagnosis, access to expert multidisciplinary care and patient outcomes. He is also a co-chair of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)-funded Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Clinical Practice Guidelines project and leads the development of national multidisciplinary care initiatives for patients with complex colorectal cancer.
For Prasad, oncology is both a science and a partnership. He believes patients should be informed, empowered and actively involved in treatment decisions. Through Yarra Oncology, he continues to combine clinical excellence, research, advocacy and innovation to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes while maintaining hope and quality of life throughout their cancer journey.
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