The Familial Breast Cancer Research Unit is a world leader in the study of inherited cancer.
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Studying the prevalence and impact of genetic mutations associated with cancer;
Identifying effective prevention strategies for families at high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer;
Identifying effective treatment and management strategies for women who develop breast and ovarian cancer associated with genetic mutations;
Documenting the experiences of women living with a high risk of developing cancer and enhancing the information and support resources available.
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The Unit is led by
Dr. Steven Narod, Canada Research Chair in breast cancer. Our team has played an important role in developing and evaluating prevention and management strategies for women (and families) who have a high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
In 1994 and 1995, two inherited genetic mutations were discovered in families with a high
incidence of breast and ovarian cancer. These mutations are now referred to as BRCA1 and BRCA2. The Familial Breast Cancer Research Unit provides genetic testing and other clinical services to families who may carry these genes. Over the years, the unit has become a leading research centre helping to develop and identify prevention and management strategies for these women and their families. The team has gathered
unique repositories of information about women's experiences with cancer and has published papers on a wide range of preventive options available to women at risk of genetic cancer and Dr. Narod has become the world's most cited breast cancer researcher. Preventative options range from using yearly MRI breast screening, through chemo-preventive methods like Tamoxifen®, and the surgical removal of the ovaries or breasts before a hereditary cancer occurs.
Learn more about some of our key findings.
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Dr Steven Narod and Aletta Poll, genetic counsellor, from the Familial Breast Cancer
Research Program
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Genetic counselors based at the unit offer information and support to women and their families about their options, but their interactions with patients have also helped inspire new research questions. By collecting information about the outcomes experienced by women visiting the unit, as well as women visiting the
Henrietta Banting Breast Centre at Women's College Hospital and other genetic testing centres around the world, WCRI researchers have helped advance our understanding of successful treatment strategies. Research findings have helped to justify the expense of offering MRI breast screening to high-risk women and they have documented a nearly 100 per cent efficacy for prophylactic mastectomy. How to share information about genetic risk with women and their families has also become a focus of study, such as this recent work by
Dr. Kelly Metcalfe focused on
developing a decision aid for high-risk women.
Dr. Steven Narod leads international collaborations with researchers studying the prevalence and impact of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. The incidence of these genes varies in many diverse populations around the world. In the past, Dr. Narod has worked with research groups in Brazil, Cuba, Philippines, and Pakistan. Now, he currently leads new research projects in Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Vietnam, Uruguay, Greece, Pakistan, Peru, and Costa Rica, focusing on both genetic and environment factors that contribute to higher than normal incidences of cancer in these specific populations. Since no genetic testing or genetic counseling is currently offered in these countries, these collaborations will ultimately help build research skills and the capacity to study cancer genetics. More importantly, these projects will help reduce the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer in women who are carriers of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
If you are interested in the Jewish Women's Study please click here, as there is only one phone number dedicated to this study.
If you are interested in other studies, please visit the specific study pages (Risk Factor Analysis of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer; Risk Factor Analysis for Familial Breast Cancer) for specific contact information.
For more information about our unit, or if you need assistance, please contact:
Principal Investigator,
Dr. Steven Narod, Director
Familial Breast Cancer Research Unit
Women's College Research Institute
790 Bay Street, 7th Floor, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 1N8
Phone: (416) 351-3765
Fax:(416) 351-3767
Email: narodstudy@wchospital.ca
