Symposium to Highlight Cancer Research
One hundred cancer researchers from across the province are attending the sixth annual Cancer Research Symposium being held today, Nov. 6, at Dalhousie University in Halifax. Its purpose is to communicate the broad spectrum of cancer research in Nova Scotia, both at the trainee and senior researcher level.
"Nova Scotia is home to a talented pool of senior cancer researchers as well as trainees, who are committed to working together to better understand the family of diseases we call cancer," said Dr. Gerry Johnston, associate dean, research, Dalhousie University and a past president, National Cancer Institute of Canada. "This annual symposium is an opportunity for us to come together as a community and share and celebrate our collective accomplishments."
Among the day's highlights was a keynote address by Dr. Anne-Marie Mes-Masson, scientific director, Institut du Cancer de Montreal, and professor, Department of Medicine, Universite de Montreal. Dr. Mes-Masson provided a broad overview of ovarian cancer research, including practical examples of how research in the lab can be applied to improve patient care in the clinic.
Research findings are also being presented on topics including tumour suppression, access to colorectal cancer services and end-of-life care.
"Cancer research is at the core of any quality cancer system, and certainly is a top priority for our organization," said Theresa Marie Underhill, chief operating officer, Cancer Care Nova Scotia.
"Nova Scotia is fortunate to have a dedicated and growing number of researchers. This bodes well for preventing, caring for and curing cancer. This symposium generates excitement about how far we've come in understanding cancer, provides incentive for continued research, and inspires the new generation of researchers."
Cancer Care Nova Scotia is a program of the Department of Health, created to reduce the burden of cancer on individuals, families and the health care system through prevention, screening, education and research.