Greetings all. Brendalee and LeslieA have already shared some of their experiences of the recent Canadian Conference for Ovarian Cancer Research (CCOCR), but I thought I'd add my own learnings. Before I start though, I should introduce myself. My name is Lisa and am honoured to serve as co-chair for Ovarian Cancer Canada's Patient Partner in Research (PPiR) program. I was diagnosed with early-stage mucinous carcinoma in 2022 and have been NED for almost three years.
<Warning: this might be a bit long>
For those who aren't familiar with it, CCOCR brings together researchers, clinicians, trainees, and patients from across the country, and around the world, for several days of collaboration and learning.
This year's conference began with parallel trainee workshops and patient-focused sessions, covering topics like treatment advances, survivorship, and quality of life. I, and several of my fellow PPiR members, presented to the trainees about how to best involve patients in research and perspectives on survivorship. After meeting with these young researchers, you can't help but be filled with hope about the future of treatments for ovarian cancer. They really are an inspiring group.
The next two days featured key plenaries that explored rare and high-grade ovarian cancers, immune biology, clinical trials, prevention, and an incredible focus on survivorship. Concurrent sessions allowed deeper dives into areas such as novel therapies, artificial intelligence, early detection, and patient-centered research.
Beyond scientific content, the event emphasized storytelling, patient engagement, and community-building, highlighted by activities like the "Plunge for the Cure" at Kitsilano Beach (which raised over $1million), poster presentations, and networking events.
I hope some of the other PPiR members jump into this thread with some of their own highlights. There were so many fascinating sessions, I couldn't attend them all.
If I had to narrow it down though, what really stood out for me were the sessions about sexual and mental health in survivorship, Drs Lesa Dawson and David Huntsman's efforts to help patients navigate surgical menopause, and, getting my science-geek on with, Dr. Angie Belcher from MIT, as she and her team use nanoscience to help with early detection of ovarian cancer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EZcBzMATjw (it's cool stuff!).
Overall, CCOCR 2026 blended cutting-edge science with lived experience, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in advancing ovarian cancer research and care.