On November 26, 2021, the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, along with the support of the Maneck Homi Italia Foundation through BC Cancer Foundation, hosted the Thinking Big, Thinking Differently Summit on Gynecologic Cancer Prevention. The summit was co-chaired by Drs. Lesa Dawson and David Huntsman, and planned by Drs. Michelle Woo, Janice Kwon, Gavin Stuart, and Ms. Stephanie Lam. It was the first research summit dedicated to expanding the impact of genetic-based risk assessment through gynecologic cancer prevention research in British Columbia. This event was designed to bring together the community to learn from world experts about gynecologic cancer risk stratification and population-based testing for hereditary cancer.

Although scientific knowledge about the burden of hereditary causes in gynecologic cancer has grown in the past decade, we are acutely aware that many of these advances and new knowledge are not yet benefitting all people across British Columbia and that our current model of practice which relies on incident cases and cascade testing through families greatly limits the potential population-based impact of this work. The conversations and from the summit helped the community take a step towards addressing that gap. 

The event featured patient partners Rose Lee and Shiraz Italia, who shared their stories about the importance of identifying women at high risk to prevent cancers and save lives. GCI community members also heard from various speakers in each session. Drs. Nora Pashayan, Leigh Pearce, and Jacques Simard discussed key considerations for implementing risk assessment into clinical care throughout BC. Following this, Drs. Ranjit Machanda, Kelly Metcalfe, Bartha Knoppers, Will Foulkes, and Intan Schrader spoke about what population-based genetic testing could look like in the province. The panel session then concluded with a conversation about the biggest opportunities for this field of work and research. A publication summarizing the findings of the Summit and outlining actional steps for building capacity for genetic testing within the current health care system is being produced.  

Following this prevention summit, the GCI will be hosting a part two on “Equity and access to gynecologic cancer prevention in British Columbia” in Spring 2022. Through this event, the GCI hopes to better understand the diverse experiences of those trying to engage in gynecologic cancer prevention.