BRCA Support BC Virtual Group

BRCA in BC, in partnership with InspireHealth, presents a series of Virtual Supportive Education Sessions. These sessions are intended to provide a space to connect, supported by trained counsellors, and to learn more about topics of interest related to the BRCA genes from experts in the field.

Upcoming sessions:

Please note: You must register for each session you plan on attending. Education Sessions are open to anybody interested, including those impacted by BRCA, loved ones, as well as learners and colleagues in the field.

Time: Sessions run from 7:00 to 8:30 PM PST.

*Optional 30-minute post-presentation peer discussion from 8:30 to 9:00 PM PST.

Date: January 16,2025-Registration Open

“BRCA Carrier Stories: Surviving and Thriving with BRCA” Morag Crocker, Kim Sutcliffe, and Catherine Chambers

Date: February 13 ,2025- Registration Open

“Sexual Health and BRCA” Dr. Melanie Altas, MD, FRCSC Gynaecologist and Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Sexual Medicine Consultant for BC Cancer.

Date: March 20,2025

“Preparing for and coming back from BRCA-related surgeries” Janet Sprague, PT Physiotherapist and Lymphedema Therapist, Go! Physiotherapy

Date: April 17,2025

“Fertility, Family Planning and Hereditary Cancer Risk” Dr. Gary Nakhuda, MD, FACOG, Fertility Doctor, Olive Fertility Victoria

Date: May 15,2025

“Current and Future Directions for Research in BRCA”Dr. Kasmintan Schrader, MBBS, FRCPC, PhD, DABMG ,Co-Medical Director, BC Cancer Hereditary Cancer Program Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Genetics, The University of British Columbia

Date: June 19,2025

“Managing the Financial, Practical and Legal aspects of Hereditary Cancer Risks”Jordan Sam, MHSc Genomics Research Data Scientist, St. Michael’s Hospital, National Indirect Impacts Study

Past Sessions:

Date: September 19,2024

“BRCA Basics: genetics, risks and risk management (with updates)” Dr. Rona Cheifetz, MD, Surgical Oncologist, BC Cancer Hereditary Cancer Program High Risk Clinic  with Dr. Janice Kwon to speak about the SOROCk study, which is now in recruitment.

Date: October 17,2024

“Prophylactic mastectomy and breast reconstruction for high-risk people” Dr. Kathryn Isaac, MD, Reconstructive Surgeon, Head of the UBC Breast Reconstruction Program.

Date: November 21,2024

“Hormones and BRCA, planning for and managing surgical menopause” Dr. Lesa Dawson, MD, Clinical Lead, Survivorship Clinic

Date: December 19,2024

“Pancreatic Cancer Risk: Management and options for BRCA+ British Columbians” Carol Cremin, Genetic Counsellor, BC Cancer Hereditary Cancer Program.

About BRCA in BC

BRCA in BC, in partnership with InspireHealth, presents a series of Virtual Supportive Education Sessions on various topics of interest. These sessions will feature expert speakers and Q&A opportunities. Inorder to attend these education sessions, registration with InspireHealth is required. Please note this is a separate registration process from BRCA in BC.

What You’ll Learn From These Sessions:

  • Understanding BRCA Risks: Learn what BRCA genes are, how they affect your health, and what you can do to manage the risks if you have a BRCA mutation.
  • Making Choices About Preventive Surgeries: Discover the options for surgeries that can help prevent cancer, so you can make the best choices for your health.
  • Staying Informed on New Research: Get up-to-date information on the latest studies, and understand how new research can help guide your healthcare decisions.

In partnership with: