In 2025, many authors bring new findings, practical information on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to breast diseases to our journal. Their articles published with us have received very well feedback in the field and stimulate a lot of discussions and new insights among the peers.

Hereby, we would like to highlight some of our outstanding authors who have been making immense efforts in their research fields, with a brief interview of their unique perspectives and insightful views as authors.

Outstanding Authors (2025)

Kwok-Leung Cheung, University of Nottingham, UK

Elizabeth Wei Tan, University of Melbourne, Australia

Outstanding Author

Kwok-Leung Cheung

Dr. Kwok-Leung Cheung is the Professor of Breast Surgery and Medical Education, the Deputy Head of Education and the Director of the BMBS Medicine Programmes at the University of Nottingham. He was qualified and trained in General Surgery in Hong Kong. His clinical and research interests are in breast cancer and geriatric oncology. He has served many roles in the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) where he is currently the President-Elect and its UK National Representative. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists (EUSOMA), and of the Breast Cancer Clinical Guidelines Committee of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). In 2010, he pioneered the Symposium on Primary Breast Cancer in Older Women in the UK, which has now become a biennial event, hosted by the University under the auspices of SIOG. Learn more about Prof. Cheung here, and follow him on X.

ABS: What are the essential elements of a good academic paper?

Prof. Cheung: Content is fundamental in that the paper has to be based on substance such as a good-quality study or literature review. With a good content, presentation of the paper is important so that the readers can follow the logic and understand and apply the findings as appropriate. Language forms pivotal part of a well-presented paper so that it appears logical, coherent and concise.

ABS: What authors have to bear in mind during preparation of a paper?

Prof. Cheung: To start with, they have to define the subject to write on. If it is about original research based on a clinical study, the starting point is the study, not the paper. The study has to have good hypotheses, aims and objectives, design and methodology and so on. You cannot possibly write a good paper about the study if it is flawed! Similarly, a review article, whether it is a narrative review or a systematic review of the literature, the authors should consider the question to be asked or investigated, hypotheses, methodology, etc. For clinical trials, there is often a defined structure or format. For review articles, I would recommend starting with an outline of the subject. Then write a structured plan covering different sections and what you intend to cover under each section. Once a plan is in place, everything will easily fall into place. Do not start writing without a plan! It would be great to let a senior author or supervisor read and comment on the plan before you start if you are working with them.

ABS: Why do you choose to publish in ABS?

Prof. Cheung: ABS covers my subspecialty interests. It appears to be progressive; always aiming to improve its quality and profile. I also very much like the efficiency and responsiveness of the editorial team that provides excellent support.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)

Elizabeth Wei Tan

Dr. Elizabeth Wei Tan is a breast surgery fellow at The Northern Hospital, with a strong academic affiliation as an honorary fellow in the Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne. As a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), she also completed a Master of Cancer Sciences with the University of Melbourne. Her research focuses on breast cancer care, specifically oncological outcomes and treatment efficiency. Her recent projects include intra-operative radiotherapy (IORT) outcomes and recurrence predictors, as well as patient-centered measures in breast cancer management. In addition to her clinical and research work, Dr. Tan actively mentors medical students and junior doctors with surgical career aspirations. She collaborates with other health networks and academic institutions to improve breast cancer patient outcomes through evidence-based practice.

A successful medical author, in Dr. Tan’s opinion, should have a strong foundation in current clinical practice and familiarity with various study designs. Proficiency in data interpretation to critically evaluate statistical analyses is essential for valid results. Good project management skill to ensure timely publications whilst maintaining quality is also essential. With regards to the writing process, a concise and well-structured manuscript effectively communicating scientific concepts to a diverse audience is required. Conducting literature reviews and synthesizing research findings are paramount. Ethical writing practices and awareness of regulatory guidelines to prevent patient harm and bias are fundamental. These key skill sets will assist in timely and accurate translational research in real-world practice.

Speaking of how biases can be minimized in academic writing, Dr. Tan stresses that a rigorous study design is essential to reduce selection bias with randomization and/or control groups. Registration of study protocols also avoids selective outcome reporting. Implicit biases can be reduced through an inclusive study cohort with no restrictions on demographics, gender, and socioeconomic status. Application of appropriate statistical methods will reduce data interpretation bias. Disclosure of author’s conflict of interest and a neutral perspective in writing will improve transparency. In a word, she believes that actively recognizing and addressing these biases is essential in ensuring valid research.

“One of my drivers for academic writing is intellectual curiosity. I derive personal satisfaction from exploring research questions and contributing new knowledge. Witnessing the impact of evidence-based clinical practice, the potential to influence health policy, and forming a cornerstone for future research give meaning to the academic writing process. Collaboration further sustains my motivation. Through working with like-minded researchers, this purpose develops a sense of community. Lastly, writing not only educates others but enables us all to be a better clinician,” says Dr. Tan.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)