Living as a BRCA carrier and the options for managing your cancer risk

a middle aged female patient talks to a nurse who writes notes on a clipboard

If you’re living as a BRCA carrier, we’d like to invite you to learn more about this study.


Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation are at higher risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer compared to women in the general population. There are options available to women to help reduce or manage these risks, including preventive surgery and screening.

To understand the cancer prevention decisions that women make, Dr. Joanne Kotsopoulos, PhD and Dr. Steven Narod, MD are conducting an important new study to investigate why women have chosen the cancer management options that they have, and what factors have influenced their decisions. This information will help in understanding why there are differences in uptake of cancer preventive and/or screening options and help improve the clinical care of this high-risk group.

If you are interested in participating, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • You have received genetic testing results indicating an inherited mutation in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene
  • You must be at least 18 years of age
  • You do not have a prior diagnosis of ovarian cancer

This study is voluntary and you can withdraw at any time.

Participation requires the completion of a short, online, easy-to-use survey. The study survey collects demographic and medical information and may require completion annually. This survey will require 15-20 minutes of your time. Upon completion of the survey, you will receive a gift card to thank you for your participation.

If you are interested in participating or learning more about this study, please contact the study coordinator:
Patricia Nguyen
patricia.nguyen@wchospital.ca
416-323-6400 Ext. 2761

This research is funded by: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)