Toward equity in cancer genetics: identifying racial disparities in cancer genetics services
Cancer screening of high-risk populations for predisposition genes (e.g., breast cancer and BRCA1/2) is critical for early detection, cancer prevention and genetic testing for at-risk relatives. Yet, there are disparities at every stage of the genetics service pathway: Racialized individuals are less likely to know about/be referred for genetic testing and are more likely to receive inconclusive results, which limits their access to high-risk screening and prevention and increases mortality risk. We will use multiple methods to explore racialized patients’ and providers’ experiences, needs, barriers and enablers to accessing cancer genetics services and to identify the nature and extent of the disparities in cancer genetics services and cancer outcomes in Ontario. We will use quantitative methods to characterize the nature and extent of racial disparities in cancer genetics services and cancer outcomes.
Accepting Students
Each year, I admit MSc and PhD students for interdisciplinary research investigating the impacts of adopting new genomic technologies in clinical care. This research calls on the following methods: qualitative interviewing, surveys, clinical trials, behavioural and psychological outcomes, health technology assessment, health economics, patient engagement, deliberative democracy, mixed methods analysis.
Interested candidates should email a CV, unofficial transcripts, and a brief research proposal (max 1 page). Candidates are strongly encouraged to google advice for effective proposal drafting. A strong introductory email is a great first step towards graduate school admission. Please visit https://
