Dr. Aisha Lofters wins the Canadian Cancer Society’s Inclusive Excellence Prize!

August 25, 2022

By Jaimie Roebuck

Since 1993, the Canadian Cancer Society has acknowledged some of the country’s best researchers with their Awards for Excellence. These awards recognize those who have made significant contributions to the advancement of cancer research in Canada.

This year, Dr. Aisha Lofters, chair in implementation science at The Peter Gilgan Centre for Women’s Cancers at Women’s College Hospital, was awarded the prestigious Inclusive Excellence Prize for her contributions to promoting equitable and inclusive cancer care in Canada.

Dr. Lofters is globally recognized as a leader in health equity research. Her research program centres on evaluating and understanding cancer care inequities among marginalized groups, and exploring strategies to address these inequities and improve health outcomes.

Dr. Lofters is steadfast in her commitment to breaking down barriers to cancer care. In 2021, she collaborated with The Olive Branch of Hope and four co-creators to launch Every Breast Counts – a first of its kind resource hub for Black women, by Black women affected by breast cancer. She is also working to advance cancer and chronic disease prevention in younger adults with low income, she’s investigating prostate cancer incidence in immigrant men, understanding the impact of COVID-19 among immigrants living with cancer, and implementing a peer health coaching program to help prevent chronic disease among women with a unique component focused on supporting South Asian women.

In addition to her enormous research portfolio, she is also a highly respected mentor to a diverse group of women whose research focuses on equity in cancer care. 

Dr. Lofters has made profound contributions to cancer care in Canada, working to bridge health gaps experienced by marginalized groups and advancing health equity for all. 

She is both a trailblazer and a changemaker, and a worthy recipient of this Inclusive Excellence Prize. Congratulations, Dr. Lofters!

Dr. Aisha Lofters, chair in implementation science at The Peter Gilgan Centre for Women’s Cancers at Women’s College Hospital