Watch this engaging session exploring 30 years of progress in the genetics of ovarian cancer. We will look at the landmark discovery of BRCA1 and BRCA2 and examine how genetic testing has become a key part of ovarian cancer care. Learn how the introduction of HRD testing is shaping treatment decisions and impacting families. We'll also explore ongoing challenges, including long wait times and limited access to genetic counselling, and introduce the Genetic Adviser App, a new digital tool designed to guide people through the genetic testing process. A previvor advocate will share their experience, highlighting how genetics influenced their care and family decisions. The session will conclude with a forward-looking discussion on the future of genetics in ovarian cancer treatment and care.
This session was part of Ovarian Cancer Canada's 2025 National Symposium.
Speaker bios:
Dr. William Foulkes is a Distinguished James McGill Professor in the Departments of Medicine, Oncology and Human Genetics. He co-authored over 700 peer-reviewed manuscripts and received multiple awards. He is a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, the Royal College of Physicians, London, and the Royal Society of Canada. He recently received the Prix Wilder-Penfield of Quebec (2020) and the Dr. Chew Wei Memorial Prize in Cancer Research from the University of British Columbia (2022). He is Chair of Human Genetics at McGill and Director of Medical Genetics at both the Montreal Jewish General Hospital and the McGill University Health Centre. Over three decades of research, he made unique contributions and discoveries in cancer genetics. He conducted studies that defined how to treat BRCA1-related cancers clinically, and his research team discovered and characterized several cancer predisposition founder mutations in Montreal populations. His research team is also known for its extensive work on genetic variations and phenotypes linked to DICER1 tumour predisposition syndrome and for the discovery that SMARCA4 is the causative factor in Small Cell Carcinoma of the Ovary, Hypercalcemic type.
Dr. Yvonne Bombard is a Professor and Canada Research Chair in Genomics Health Services at the University of Toronto. She directs the Genomics Health Services Research Program at St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto. Her work evaluates the outcomes of genomic technologies on patients and healthcare systems, develops digital tools for genomic medicine, and engages patients in health technology assessment. Dr. Bombard is actively involved in international policy advisory committees and serves on the boards of the American Society of Human Genetics and CIHR Institute of Genetics. She has received numerous awards, including a CIHR Foundation grant, 'Rising Star' and Presidential awards from CADTH, CIHR, UofT and the Canadian Cancer Society for her impactful research and policy contributions, for which she has been inducted into the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars.
Nirit Rozenberg is a comprehensive family physician in Toronto, as well as a BRCA carrier. Given her lived experience of losing her mother to hereditary ovarian cancer, Nirit is passionate about raising awareness of hereditary cancer risk. Prior to pursuing her career in medicine, she worked as a research student at the Ovarian Cancer Research Centre (OvCaRe), where she co-authored work on ovarian cancer prevention, including on the subject of opportunistic salpingectomy as a risk-reducing strategy among women at average lifetime risk. She currently volunteers on the Ovarian Cancer Canada's Prevention Task Force, where she brings her personal and professional lens to help with advancements in ovarian cancer prevention such as helping create educational resources for primary care providers across Canada. Like many others with this genetic risk, she has had to navigate difficult decisions about cancer prevention and her own health. Living with BRCA and working in the medical profession has given her a unique perspective on what it means to balance medical advice, personal values, and family considerations. She believes that open conversations and shared stories can empower people to make informed choices and feel less alone in their journey.