Gynecologic Cancers
Support BC Cancer’s World-Leading Gynecologic Cancer Research
For more information, contact Becky Yost, Director, Development. Please consider donating today.
Gynecologic Cancers
Gynecologic cancer occurs when the cells in a woman’s reproductive system grow abnormally.
In 2023, more than 2,000 British Columbians were diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer, which includes ovarian, endometrial (uterine), cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers.
BC Cancer’s gynecologic cancer research team is leading the charge in advancing cutting-edge research for a range of gynecologic cancers. We will be able to personalize and refine treatments based on what individual patients need.
Types of Gynecologic Cancers
The five main types of gynecologic cancers start in different areas of the female reproductive system, each with varying signs and symptoms:
How is BC Cancer Advancing Gynecologic Cancer Research and Care?
Your generous support has enabled BC Cancer’s world-leading team to advance innovation in research and care for people facing a range of gynecologic cancers.
The Gynecologic Cancer Initiative (GCI)
Launched in 2000, the GCI (formerly known as the Ovarian Cancer Research Group or OVCARE) brings together global leaders in gynecologic cancer research to accelerate prevention, detection, treatment and survivorship. Breakthroughs from this multi-institutional and multidisciplinary research group have made significant impacts on health policy in Canada and beyond. In 2008, their researchers discovered that ovarian cancer is multiple distinct diseases, which led Dr. Dianne Miller to pioneer the first ovarian cancer prevention surgery that is now used worldwide: opportunistic salpingectomy (surgical removal of the fallopian tubes).
"I feel really proud and grateful to be a part of what we have been able to accomplish in a relatively short time that has impacted care for patients down the street and internationally."
Dr. Jessica McAlpine, Tumour Bank Director at OVCARE and Distinguished Gynecologic Oncologist at BC Cancer
Faster Genetic Testing for Ovarian Cancer
BC Cancer’s Hereditary Cancer Program partnered with OVCARE to expedite care for women awaiting testing with one or more direct relative with ovarian cancer. In 2022, they implemented an online portal that reduced wait times for genetic testing from over 18 months to three months, improving accessibility and efficiency for those at higher risk of ovarian cancer due to hereditary BRCA gene mutations.
Canada’s First Cervical Self-Screening Program
Following a successful pilot project, BC Cancer launched Canada’s first cervix self-screening kit in January 2024, providing people the choice of how and where they want to be screened. Within three months of the launch, BC Cancer distributed over 30,000 kits. This option is increasing access to life-saving screening and providing a more equitable, accurate, comfortable and convenient way to test. Experts believe this advancement could eliminate cervical cancer by 2034.
Breakthroughs for Personalized Endometrial Cancer Care
Dr. Jessica McAlpine developed a molecular classification tool, which as of May 2022 is available for anyone in B.C. with a newly diagnosed endometrial cancer. The tool, ProMisE, enables pathologists to direct state-of-the-art precision treatment to match each person’s unique cancer. Additionally, Dr. Aline Talhouk is leading two projects to improve early detection of endometrial cancer using minimally invasive methods — this is important as endometrial cancers caught early have a survival rate of 96%. As well, Drs. McAlpine and Ali Bashashati are harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence to identify endometrial tumours that are more aggressive but may not appear so by traditional pathology.
Support BC Cancer’s World-Leading Gynecologic Cancer Research
For more information, contact Becky Yost, Director, Development. Please consider donating today.