Researchers at the UBC Faculty of Medicine have been awarded nearly $10 million from the Government of Canada and partners to advance cancer prevention research and improve early detection.
The funding supports five projects led by UBC researchers focused on preventing cancer before it starts, enhancing early detection and improving outcomes for people across Canada and around the world.
The UBC-led projects tackle some of the most common and deadly diseases, including ovarian, breast, colorectal, cervical and gastrointestinal cancers. The work will explore how cancer develops, who is most at risk and how we can intervene earlier to prevent disease. Spanning molecular biology, clinical research and population health, the projects reflect UBC’s strength in translating discovery into real-world patient impact.
Cancer continues to be the leading cause of death in Canada, and is estimated to cost the health care system, patients, and families nearly $37.7 billion every year. Yet up to 40 per cent of cancer cases could be prevented through changes in lifestyle and environmental factors—highlighting the how research into prevention strategies and early detection can save lives.
“Research can save lives and reduce the burden of cancer,” said The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health. “Scientists, clinicians, trainees, survivors, families, cancer advocates, and others all have a role to play. When one of us succeeds, we all benefit from that success. Today’s announcement is a great example of how by working together across countries, and across disciplines, we can build a stronger, more resilient, and healthier Canada.”
The funding is part of a $41 million investment in cancer prevention research that is supporting 19 projects across the country. Six research funding organizations came together to provide the funding, including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Terry Fox Research Institute, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, the Cancer Research Society and BioCanRx.
UBC Faculty of Medicine recipients
Principal Investigator: David Huntsman, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Project title: Biologic basis of contraceptive choice associated ovarian cancer risk: from populations through cells to action
Funding: $2,000,000
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Principal Investigator: Christopher Maxwell, Department of Pediatrics
Project title: Targeting breast involution for the primary prevention of breast cancer among women who inherit a pathogenic variant in breast cancer 1 (BRCA1)
Partner: Canadian Cancer Society
Funding: $1,996,790
Principal Investigator: Rachel Murphy, School of Population and Public Health
Project title: Ultra-processed foods and cancer: advancing evidence on the biological mechanisms linking the gut microbiome, ultra-processed foods and colorectal cancer (UPFront)
Partner: Canadian Cancer Society
Funding: $2,000,000
Principal Investigator: Gina Ogilvie, School of Population and Public Health
Project title: Subsequent to LEEP Evaluation of Disease Recurrence – Systemic and Comprehensive Pan-optic Exploration (SLEEPER-SCOPE 360) – A Comprehensive Exploration of post-LEEP HPV Infection and Cervical Dysplasia Recurrence and its Associated Factors
Partner: Terry Fox Research Institute
Funding: $2,000,000
Principal Investigator: Isabella Tai, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine
Project title: Bridging gastric cancer biology to prevent progression of pre-cancerous gastric lesions
Partner: Terry Fox Research Institute
Funding: $2,000,000