SESSION DETAILS

Subject to change

Additional details and session information will be added as we get closer to the event.

DAY 1: October 28th at 6:00p.m. to 9:00p.m.

Your care, your voice: Navigating through ovarian cancer
This session brings together clinical experts and women living with ovarian cancer to explore what person-centered care looks like at every stage of the cancer journey. From initial diagnosis to recurrence, learn how collaborative care, including oncologists, social workers, nurse navigators, and occupational therapists can improve outcomes and quality of life. Hear real stories that illustrate the impact of aligning medical treatment with personal values, goals, and lived experience. The session will also highlight practical resources and support available through Ovarian Cancer Canada. Most importantly, you’ll gain insight into how speaking up, asking questions, and engaging in decisions can help you feel more in control of your care.

After cancer: Redefining work, purpose, and possibility
What happens after the treatments end? Many individuals living with ovarian cancer are left navigating fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, and lasting physical limitations, all while feeling pressure to “bounce back” to their previous roles. Explore the complex reality women face following treatment, whether returning to work, shifting careers, or stepping away entirely. We’ll discuss how to find the right resources, identify critical gaps in the system, and the importance of self-advocacy when support structures fall short. This session offers evidence-based guidance and honest conversation about how to reclaim purpose, productivity and well-being – on your own terms.

30 years of genetics: Understanding BRCA and HRD in ovarian cancer
Join us for an engaging session exploring 30 years of progress in the genetics of ovarian cancer. We will look at the landmark discovery of BRCA1 and BRCA2 and examine how genetic testing has become a key part of ovarian cancer care. Learn how the introduction of HRD testing is shaping treatment decisions and impacting families. We’ll also explore ongoing challenges, including long wait times and limited access to genetic counselling, and introduce the Genetic Adviser App, a new digital tool designed to guide people through the genetic testing process. A previvor advocate will share their experience, highlighting how genetics influenced their care and family decisions. The session will conclude with a forward-looking discussion on the future of genetics in ovarian cancer treatment and care.

Advocacy in action: Empowering voices to transform ovarian cancer care
Discover the powerful role that patient and caregiver advocacy plays in shaping health systems and enhancing ovarian cancer care. In this session, we’ll explore how Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC) identifies gaps in care through patient experiences and how these insights impact advocacy efforts. Learn how OCC equips individuals to advocate for themselves and their communities, using real-world examples like the successful patient-led submission for mirvetuximab soravtansine (ELAHERE) and the expansion of gynecologic cancer services in British Columbia. We’ll also highlight OCC’s collaborations with coalitions and organizations, emphasizing the strength of unified efforts in driving systemic change. Looking ahead, we will focus on upcoming projects and define the health system changes OCC aims to influence.

DAY 2: October 29th at 6:00p.m. to 9:00p.m.

Pragmatic clinical trials: Bridging research and real-world care
Join us for an insightful session on Pragmatic Clinical Trials and how they’re transforming ovarian cancer care by testing treatments in real-world settings. Discover what makes pragmatic trials unique and why these trials are crucial for closing the gap between research and clinical care. You’ll hear firsthand reflections from patient partners who participated in a workshop on pragmatic clinical trials, sharing what they learned, how they contributed and why patient voices shape the future of ovarian cancer research and care.

Living beyond the diagnosis: Finding purpose, hope, and strength through self-advocacy and community
A cancer diagnosis changes everything; it can also be the start of something powerful. This inspiring session explores how those affected by ovarian cancer can lead a life of purpose, hope, and resilience beyond diagnosis. Through personal stories and shared experiences, you will discover the value of taking an active role in your care, the power of community, and how giving back can enhance personal well-being. Whether you’re living with ovarian cancer, are a caregiver or supporter, this session offers a powerful reminder: cancer may change your life, but it doesn’t have to define it.

Behind the microscope: Exploring early detection research
Detecting ovarian cancer early is a complex challenge, but one that 73% of community members say needs to be a priority. Research like this hasn’t been possible before, but today, science has advanced far enough for us to invest in early detection research and know that we’ll make tangible progress for women facing this disease. That’s why Ovarian Cancer Canada announced our funding of two innovative research projects focused on uncovering breakthroughs that help detect ovarian cancer earlier. In this session, you’ll be among the first Canadians to go behind the scenes of our two early detection research projects. You’ll see the research in action, hear from the scientists themselves and the patients partnering with them.