The Queen Elizabeth Health Complex (QEHC) is proud to have played an active role in the DOvEEgene Program, a pioneering research initiative focused on early detection of ovarian and endometrial cancers through advanced genomic screening.
Ovarian cancer remains the deadliest of all female cancers, largely because it is often diagnosed too late. Early symptoms are subtle and frequently mistaken for less serious conditions, meaning that by the time a diagnosis is made, the cancer has typically spread and become more difficult to treat. Screening is important because endometrial cancer is one of the only cancers where the incidence and death rate is rising.
The DOvEEgene genomic uterine Pap test, developed by an innovative team of researchers at McGill University, represents a significant leap forward in women's health. Unlike the conventional Pap test, which detects cervical cancer by identifying abnormal cells under a microscope, the DOvEEgene test uses genomic technology to screen for both ovarian and endometrial cancers — potentially catching these diseases in their earliest and most treatable stages.
Although recruitment for the research phase has officially concluded, the QEHC remains deeply proud of its continued involvement in this vital project. Working alongside dedicated scientists, healthcare professionals, and courageous participants has been both humbling and inspiring.
This collaboration marks a meaningful step toward changing the future of cancer diagnostics and bringing hope to countless women. We look forward to seeing how this breakthrough research continues to unfold.
Visit the DOvEEgene official website
From left to right: Tetiana Domilovska (nurse), Nikki Brill (nurse), Thao Vu (nurse), and Joelle Malek (nurse manager).
