Very little is known about the frequency of cancer-predisposing mutations, rates of genetic testing, and uptake of risk-reducing surgery among Indigenous Peoples. Furthermore, Indigenous families are less likely to have cascade genetic testing (family members tested when there was a known mutation in a hereditary cancer gene) compared to European and other ethnicities, meaning that there is no reason or opportunity to undergo risk-reducing surgery.

The objective of this grant is to engage with Indigenous community members, community leaders, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers to develop relationships and understand the local community perspectives on ovarian cancer genetic testing and prevention. Due to the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism and systemic racism on the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples, it is essential that future planning of research involving genetic testing and preventative surgery (which also results in sterilization) are undertaken only with thorough community consultation and partnership. Through these initial community engagement activities, we will seek to understand if further research on genetic testing/risk-reducing surgery for ovarian cancer is a priority to Indigenous communities. Furthermore, if this is identified as a priority, we will work to develop a future research plan in collaboration and partnership with the Indigenous communities.