We are driving ovarian cancer research in Canada faster than ever before. The research we lead is changing the landscape of available treatment options. Ovarian cancer research is a priority that will not be ignored. After decades without real change, improved outcomes are possible – finally.

Research is at the core of our mission and our investments and provides hope for those affected. Ovarian Cancer Canada will continue to deliver on its track record of success, better understand how health inequities impact those affected by the disease, keep those with lived experience front-and-center and answer key questions to ultimately change the face of ovarian cancer.

We are building research capacity, unlocking insights into rarer forms of the disease, addressing urgent needs, and bringing hope to people across the country. We take a multi-pronged approach to ensure that all types of ovarian cancer, even the rarest forms, are prioritized to ensure that everyone benefits from the best available science as quickly as possible.

«

Ovarian Cancer Canada has earned international recognition for Canada as a leader in pioneering transformative research and discoveries. We are accelerating ovarian cancer research and taking it to new heights. We are on the cusp of breakthroughs that can change the face of this highly fatal disease – for good. The momentum is unstoppable and impossible to ignore.

Tania Vrionis, CEO, Ovarian Cancer Canada

Our research approach

Ovarian cancer cannot be addressed with a one-size-fits all approach. In fact, it represents a variety of different types of diseases, each with different origins and responses to treatments.

In consultation with communities of patients, clinicians and researchers, Ovarian Cancer Canada has created a three-pronged approach with a clear, single aim – to improve the outcomes of people diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Research models are developed by top Canadian ovarian cancer researchers.

We are finding the best research models for ovarian cancer and galvanizing a pan-Canadian consortium of ovarian cancer researchers with expertise in model development, characterization, and validation. Our research supports the development of a variety of models and tools that emulate the behaviour of ovarian cancer for scientific discovery in early phase testing and learning in research labs.

Novel treatments are tested in leading laboratories nationwide.

We are identifying the most promising novel treatments to be screened in the best research models (pre-clinical studies).

Personalized clinical trials are initiated across Canada.

We are advancing clinical trials using a personalized medicine approach. Ovarian Cancer Canada funds early phase clinical trials to bring the best new treatments to people living with ovarian cancer.

Leading to improved outcomes for women with ovarian cancer.

Through these activities, Ovarian Cancer Canada will have a significant impact on the outcomes of those with ovarian cancer, helping Canadians achieve better quality of life and longer survival.

Our research community

Just 25 years ago, there were only three scientists dedicated to the study of ovarian cancer. Ovarian Cancer Canada is earning international recognition for Canada as a leader in pioneering transformative research and discoveries. We are building research capacity, unlocking insights into rarer forms of disease, and addressing urgent needs. Now, because of Ovarian Cancer Canada’s efforts to attract leading minds to this field and provide the raw materials researchers need, Canada’s ovarian cancer research community is 250+ strong and growing. These scientists are among the most collaborative and engaged in the world.

Ovarian Cancer Canada is fostering deep collaboration with research scientists across Canada, and securing funding that attracts leading minds to this field. This model of cross collaboration amongst research experts across the country has accelerated the speed at which we uncover insights and develop treatments.

We are creating integrated research teams which include patients who help provide real-time feedback and perspective to help researchers come up with better solutions even before clinical trials.

Together, we affect meaningful change.

Ovarian Cancer Canada is convening the research community, resulting in ovarian cancer advancements and progress across the country. Learn more about research funded by Ovarian Cancer Canada.

With the support from our community and partners, together, we can and will improve outcomes for people living with ovarian cancer and change the course of this disease for good. 


Meet our patient partners

Ensuring ongoing and meaningful involvement from those who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and amplifying their voices, is at the heart of all the work being done by Ovarian Cancer Canada. This commitment inspired the development of the Patient Partners in Research program as a cornerstone component of our research.

Group of 3 women laughing

“We deserve a voice at the table of researchers, oncologists and scientists. We are the ones undergoing the clinical trials, enduring the side effects of treatments, and putting ourselves on the line in hopes of fighting back against this brutal disease. Surviving is one thing. We want to have a full life – contribute, love, be loved. Surviving is not enough.”

Shannon Kadar, diagnosed in 2019


Ovarian Cancer Canada’s OvCAN Governing Council

Following 4 years of dedicated and collective efforts by Ovarian Cancer Canada, people living with the disease, family members, and other advocates across the country, in 2019 the Government of Canada announced a first-ever commitment of $10 million to fund Ovarian Cancer Canada’s OvCAN research initiative.

In consultation with communities of patients, clinicians and researchers, Ovarian Cancer Canada has created a three-pronged approach with a clear single aim over the course of five years: to improve the outcomes of those diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

A pan-Canadian, multi-disciplinary Governing Council has been established to provide scientific guidance and leadership to Ovarian Cancer Canada’s OvCAN research initiative.

Our partners

Ovarian Cancer Canada is leading an international movement to galvanize Canada’s ovarian cancer research community. Our unique approach to cross collaboration amongst research experts across the country accelerates the speed at which we uncover insights and develop treatments, increases research capacity, addresses urgent needs for data and tissues, and will improve outcomes for women living with ovarian cancer and change the course of this disease for good.

Discover the impact of our research