Six years ago, Tanya O’Brien’s worst fear became a reality. “Hearing that you have cancer is like watching yourself in a bad movie…. Everything suddenly becomes a question. Is it everywhere? Will I die? What will happen to my family?” But the new Breast Health Centre offers hope.

Dr. David Gray’s cancer was hiding in plain sight. When a pea-sized tumour on his cheek turned out to be Stage 3c melanoma, with a high risk of spreading, he decided to join a clinical trial that compared two immunotherapy drugs.

Marina Moraitis was inspired to give back to The Ottawa Hospital and future patients by taking part in two world-first clinical trials – studying ‘chemo fog’ and exercise – while undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Chemotherapy wasn’t working for Cathy Chapman. However, a genetic test identified a specific gene mutation that meant she could take part in a new international cancer drug trial – the first patient in Canada.

“I realize now that it wasn’t just a journey to heal my body. It was also a journey to heal my emotional and mental state. Here are some highlights… and some lowlights. But I have come out the other side stronger.” Read Donna Jakowec’s journal.

Did you know that 20 percent of all breast cancers were noninvasive? Did you know that screening can help detect these cancers before they become invasive? One patient in particular knows all too well the importance of early screening.