The Ontario Hereditary Cancer Research Network

06/18/2026

Tamara Braid, Genetic Counsellor and Clinical Program Manager at OHCRN, recently joined the Food for Thought event hosted by the Canadian VHL Alliance (Canadian VHL Alliance). There, she talked about the cancer risks linked to VHL and the ways that research can advance care.
Von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease is a rare genetic condition that increases the risk of developing tumours, cysts, and cancer in different parts of the body.
It was so nice to connect with such a passionate community dedicated to advancing care and support for those with VHL.
Learn more about the CVHLA at cvhla.ca.

06/16/2026

This Pride Month, OHCRN recognizes that hereditary cancer care isn't one-size-fits-all. A recent study by Roth et al. highlights how 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals navigating inherited cancer risk face gaps in care because it was not designed with them in mind. Inclusive language, shared decision-making and affirming care can make a big difference. Read more here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38342966/

06/12/2026

Can we vaccinate against cancer? Listen to the head of OHCRN, Dr. Raymond Kim, discuss exciting advances in cancer prevention! He is featured in OICR's "Ask a Cancer Researcher" series.
https://bit.ly/3QBgS3u

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05/22/2026

May 22 is NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2) awareness day! Did you know, NF2 is a genetic condition caused by a mutation in the NF2 gene (on chromosome 22!).
People with NF2 often have tumours (schwannomas and meningiomas) that can cause dizziness and hearing loss.
On Saturday, May 16, OHCRN Clinical Program Manager/Genetic Counsellor Tamara joined the other with Neurofibromatosis Society of Ontario (NFON) at Toronto City Hall to raise awareness.

05/17/2026

Today is Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) awareness day. Did you know? Individuals with NF1 have an increased chance of developing cancer (like breast cancer or a rare type of gastrointestinal tumour called a GIST*).
Last month, OHCRN Clinical Program Manager/Genetic Counsellor Tamara spoke at the Neurofibromatosis Society of Ontario (NFON) Forum and officially become a ! Check out NFON by visiting https://nfon.ca.

*Reference: https://bit.ly/3Ptuux3

05/14/2026

Grateful to the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR, https://oicr.on.ca) for shining a spotlight on OHCRN!
Cancer research takes many forms across OICR, but the goal is always the same: improving the lives of people affected by cancer. For those with hereditary cancer, that journey can come with unique and complex challenges.
Watch the first OICR Impact Minute to learn how and why OHCRN was created, and how we’re working to advance research that makes a difference.

05/11/2026

May is Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) awareness month! We'd like to highlight the Canadian VHL Alliance (CVHLA), a non-profit supporting individuals and families with VHL. Learn more at https://cvhla.ca.
On June 6, OHCRN Clinical Program Manager Tamara will be attending CVHLA's 1st Food for Thought event at La Plume in Toronto.
If you or someone you know has VHL and would like to join us for lunch and conversation, you can register here: https://bit.ly/4ewbAjn.

05/08/2026

Today is World Ovarian Cancer Day. Up to 25% of all ovarian cancer is caused by an inherited gene change*. You may have heard of genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2, but other genes can increase risk of ovarian cancer as well, like MSH2, BRIP1, RAD51C, and RAD51D.
*Reference: Ovarian Cancer Canada (check out their good work!)

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04/23/2026

Check out OHCRN's Dr. Raymond Kim, Tamara Braid and Katie Lark on Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES)'s podcast, in our VoICES! Thank you for having us.
🎧 Listen now: https://www.ices.on.ca/podcast/beyond-genetics-understanding-hereditary-cancer-with-dr-raymond-kim-tamara-braid-and-katie-lark/