Honoring Dr. Paul Goss: Advocate for Global Cancer Care

Paul E. Goss, MD, PhD, age 70, of Hopkinton and formerly of Wellesley, MA, passed away peacefully at home on December 19, 2025. He was with his wife at his side, surrounded by love, after a long struggle with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).

Paul was born in Klerksdorp, South Africa, and grew up in Johannesburg. He attended Parktown Boys’ High School and the University of the Witwatersrand, where he earned his medical degree in 1978. Subsequently, he moved to London and earned a PhD in cancer research from the University of London in 1986.

He established a distinguished career as an oncologist, clinician, and researcher in London, Toronto, and Boston. Specializing in breast cancer, he treated thousands of patients in his clinical practice. He designed and led international trials across more than 55 countries. Paul’s research has advanced the understanding of hormone-responsive breast cancers through landmark clinical trials. It has shaped evidence-based guidelines for breast cancer management worldwide. This was driven by his committed and compassionate care of his patients.

He was also a global cancer control expert, having led multinational research teams. They examined the state of cancer control among over half the world’s population. Paul believed that access to cancer care shouldn’t be denied to anyone. His belief was shaped by his early life in South Africa, practicing under the apartheid system. It was also shaped by his international speaking tours, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

He saw firsthand the obstacles and discrimination facing poorer patients in obtaining the health care they needed. Thus, he founded the Global Cancer Institute to advance global health initiatives. This organization aimed to bring access to cancer care to underserved communities and reduce mortality rates.

In that pledge, Paul taught and mentored many talented young doctors and researchers over his career. This inspired him to share his time and vision with them. His professional legacy will live on in their values and their work.

Paul previously served as a Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. There, he was Director of the Breast Cancer Program at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, Canada. Most recently, he was a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He also served as Co-Director of the Breast Cancer Disease Program at Dana-Farber/HCC. Additionally, he was Director of the Breast Cancer Research Program and the Avon Breast Cancer Center of Excellence at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Paul was a member of many professional societies, including the Royal College of Physicians (UK). He was also a member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Additionally, he was connected to the American Society of Clinical Oncology. He had over 250 publications in leading journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, and the Journal of Clinical Oncology.  

Paul loved art and music, Springbok rugby and Roger Federer, astronomy and wonder. He enjoyed laughing at wicked jokes, meandering drives through the beauty of nature, and long conversations. Most of all, he loved his children, Caroline and Edward, whom he was so proud of. Paul was endlessly kind, curious, and cheeky, and will be cherished and loved forever. 

Paul is survived by his adoring wife Diana Crockett, his beloved children Caroline Deliakis and her husband, Michael, of London, England and Edward Goss of Westport, Connecticut, his mother Diane Cutler of Toronto, Canada, his brother Glenwood Goss and his wife, Johanne, of Ottawa, Canada, his sister Kathleen Perchtold of Gloucester, England, his brother Donovan Goss and his wife, Kelly, of Toronto, Canada and many loved nieces and nephews, in-laws and extended family, colleagues and friends who will miss him deeply. Paul was predeceased by his father, Dillon Goss of South Africa.

Private arrangements have been entrusted to Callanan Cronin Funeral Home. A celebration of life to honor Paul will be planned. Donations in Paul’s memory may be made to the Global Cancer Institute. Grateful appreciation to the staff of Brookhaven Hospice who helped care for Paul in his last year. Rest peacefully now, my love.