Congratulations to the WHRI members Drs Gillian Hanley, Wendy Norman, David Huntsman, Gina Ogilvie, and Christopher Maxwell, on their success in the Bringing Biology to Cancer Prevention Team Grants initiative, from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and its partners the Terry Fox Research Institute, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, the Cancer Research Society, and BioCanRX.
Collectively, these organizations are investing more than $41 million to support research teams who are furthering innovation in cancer prevention, risk reduction, and early detection. In total, 19 research teams across Canada were awarded funding, with award amounts ranging from $1.9 million to $5.3 million. Winners were announced on February 26, 2026, at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto.
Dr. Wendy Norman, Dr. David Huntsman, and Dr. Gillian Hanley
Biologic basis of contracEptive choice Associated ovarian Cancer risk: from populations through cells to actiON (BEACON)
$2,000,000
High-grade serous cancer (HGSC) is the most common and deadliest form of ovarian cancer. As there is no effective way to screen for it, finding ways to prevent it is especially important. Birth control pills (combined oral contraceptives or COCs) cut the risk of HGSC in half when used for five or more years. This protective effect has been known for decades, but we still do not fully understand why it happens. At the same time, contraceptive use is rapidly shifting: fewer people are using COCs, and more are choosing hormonal intra-uterine devices (IUDs). Early research suggests that hormonal IUDs may not provide the same protection against this type of ovarian cancer, raising real concerns about a possible rise in cases of a cancer that is often deadly and hard to treat. This makes it especially important for individuals to have clear, evidence-based information when making decisions about birth control.
The team will study how COCs, IUDs, and newer estrogen-free pills (like drospirenone) influence cell growth, DNA damage, and inflammation. At the same time, we will use large-scale population data to model how changing contraceptive trends may affect ovarian cancer rates in the future. By uncovering how certain contraceptives may help prevent ovarian cancer, and working with end knowledge users and national partners like the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights, BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, Canadian Cancer Society, Ovarian Cancer Canada and Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, BEACON aims to support the development of tools and information that can shape future contraception options that also reduce cancer risk.
Dr. Gina Ogilvie
Subsequent to LEEP Evaluation of Disease Recurrence – Systemic and Comprehensive Pan-optic Exploration (SLEEPER-SCOPE 360) – A Comprehensive Exploration of post-LEEP HPV Infection and Cervical Dysplasia Recurrence and its Associated Factors
$2,000,000
Dr. Christopher Maxwell
Targeting breast involution for the primary prevention of breast cancer among women who inherit a pathogenic variant in breast cancer 1 (BRCA1)
$1,996,790