The Women's College Research Institute is a world leader in understanding the genetics of breast and ovarian cancer and has also been the site of innovative work on women's experiences of cancer. Our researchers also study the connections between cancers and other illness, such as Dr. Lorraine Lipscombe's work on the possibility of higher breast cancer risk in early diabetes.
In 1994 and 1995, Dr. Steven Narod was part of a team of researchers who discovered two genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, inherited in families with high rates of breast and ovarian cancer. Today, the Familial Breast Cancer Research Unit works with families who may carry these genes, offering genetic testing and advice, and collecting data about the experiences of these families to develop new options in the treatment and prevention of genetic cancers.
Learn more about the Familial Breast Cancer Research Unit
Survivorship is a rapidly evolving area of research at the Women's College Research Institute. The percentages of people surviving a cancer diagnosis are dramatically increasing - particularly amongst those diagnosed with breast cancer. However, once active treatment is complete there are few services available to help people cope with the physical and mental consequences of their illness, the after effects of treatment, or concerns around cancer recurrence. Recently, Dr. Judy Gould undertook a literature review to look at what is known about the post-treatment consequences of treatment and about the possible models of cancer survivorship programs. She also looked at currently available resources for cancer survivors in the Toronto area. Both of these reports, and an executive summary of her findings, are available here.
Clinicians at Women's College Hospital are also involved in research initiatives to improve women's treatment and care and to optimize the ambulatory cancer care and diagnostic services available at Women's College Hospital. Ongoing studies include breast cancer prevention studies led by Dr. Lavina Lickley, and the work of clinicians like Dr. Heidi Roberts on diagnostic screening for women at risk of developing lung cancer.
The experience of living with cancer is more than physical. From 2001-2006, our research institute was home to the first major Canadian research initiatives to focus on the daily lives of women with breast cancer from their own perspectives. With funds from the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Initiative Foundation (Ontario chapter), this research group talked to women about their cancer experiences and worked with service providers and policy makers to improve the quality of breast cancer care. The unit, known as the Ontario Breast Cancer Community Research Initiative (OBC CRI), worked with the community with a special emphasis on the needs and experiences of marginalized groups of women. Learn more about the accomplishments of the Ontario Breast Cancer Community Research Initiative.
