Research summary
Women who inherit a mutation in one of the two breast cancer susceptibility genes—BRCA1 or BRCA2—have a high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Dr. Joanne Kotsopoulos, Canada Research Chair in Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Prevention, is providing powerful insights into the risk factors and characteristics of these hereditary breast cancers.
She and her research team are defining the role that modifiable risk factors play in BRCA-associated breast and ovarian cancers. They are also improving cancer risk prediction and personalized, non-surgical cancer prevention strategies for people with BRCA mutations. In addition, they aim to better understand the factors that influence survival. Ultimately, they hope to develop new personalized strategies that will improve outcomes for patients with breast and ovarian cancer, particularly high-risk women.