Special Session 2: Prevention, Early Detection, and Interception
Tuesday, December 5 • 12:00 p.m. – 1:55 p.m. • Stars at Night Ballroom 3-4

Presentation: Cancer risk associated with exogenous hormone use in BRCA mutation carriers

Joanne Kotsopoulos, MSc, PhD
Women’s College Research Institute,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

What is your presentation about?
I will be reviewing the evidence surrounding the impact of exogenous hormone use, including oral contraceptives and menopausal hormone therapy, on the risk of breast (and, where applicable, ovarian) cancer among women with an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.

What makes this topic important in 2023?
This population faces the highest known lifetime risk of developing both breast and ovarian cancer. As such, it is important to understand how common exposures, in particular sex hormones, may further influence their risks. This information is important for patients as well as clinicians involved in the care of high-risk populations.

How did you get involved in this particular area of breast cancer research, care, or advocacy?
I have been involved in breast (and ovarian) cancer research since 1999 when I first entered graduate studies at the University of Toronto. Clearly, this has been a lifetime commitment.