In 1948, we opened the first Cancer Detection Clinic for women in Ontario. Today, we are a world leader in discovering and understanding the genetics of breast and ovarian cancers.

World-renowned Women's College scientist Dr. Steven Narod is part of the team that discovered BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 - one of the most important breakthroughs in cancer research.

Since then, he's changed how health professionals around the globe understand and test for genes associated with breast and ovarian cancer.

Now, he and his team are finding ways for women who inherit these mutations to change their fate. The evidence has been so compelling that Dr. Narod's work is supported by a prestigious Tier 1 Canada Research Chair.

Most recently, Dr. Narod and his colleague Dr. Kelly Metcalfe led a pioneering study that offered genetic testing for breast cancer (based on saliva samples) to all Jewish women in Ontario, regardless of family or personal history. One per cent of the women in the study has a mutation - a rate that is four to five times that of the general population. This study might change screening policy in Ontario.

When it comes to cancers common in women, our goal is ambitious: we want to prevent them before they begin.

Cancer Care:

• After Cancer Treatment Transition Clinic (ACTT)
• Cancer Support Services
• Cancer Awareness: Ready for Education and Screening (CARES)