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I conduct research investigating how to prevent and treat cancers in individuals with a genetic predisposition to developing cancer, including the development and evaluation of models of care to increase access to genetic testing.
My research focuses on the prevention and treatment of hereditary breast cancer. I lead one of the largest studies designed to improve outcomes for young women with breast cancer, and am evaluating the value of direct rapid genetic testing at the time of breast cancer diagnosis. I also lead research investigating the role of newly identified genetic mutations, such as PALB2. I developed a decision aid for individuals with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation to help them assess their breast cancer prevention choices. I have published extensively on the psychosocial implications of preventive options, including prophylactic mastectomy and oophorectomy. My research has been recognized internationally, most with recently the Wendy Lack Women of Action Scientific Award from the Israel Cancer Research Foundation. In 2022, I was awarded the Canadian Nurses Association Order of Merit for Research. I am a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and of the American Academy of Nursing, and a Senior Scientist with Women’s College Research Institute.
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2002 – PhD, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto
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1996 – BScN, University of Western Ontario, London
Dr. Metcalfe’s PubMed link is available here.
Samer Ghazi
Thesis Title: Health-related quality of life of adults with sickle cell disease after non-myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Marie Goretti Uwayezu
Thesis title: Breast cancer screening practices and outcomes of nurse-led interventions for breast cancer screening uptake among women.
Marie is a PhD student conducting research about women’s awareness and health beliefs around breast cancer and breast cancer screening with the goal of improving health outcomes for women in Rwanda. She has published several articles about oncology nursing in Africa, and recently received a 2023 IDRC/Universities Canada International Doctoral Research Award.
Catriona Buick, RN, BScN, MN, PhD
Thesis Title: Understanding Adherence Behaviours in Women with Premalignant Cervical Abnormalities and Knowledge of their Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Status
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health, School of Nursing, York University, Ontario
Email: cbuick@yorku.ca
Website: Catriona Buick
Lindsay Carlsson, RN, PhD
Thesis Title: Exploring the post-test psychological functioning and cancer prevention decisions of women undergoing multi-gene testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer risk
Current Position: Clinical Trials Coordinator, University Health Network
Jacqueline Galica, PhD, RN, CON(C)
Thesis Title: Fear of cancer recurrence among survivors of adult cancers
Current Position: Associate Professor, School of Nursing, Queen’s University, Ontario
Email: Jacqueline.galica@queensu.ca
Website: https://nursing.queensu.ca/galica
Samantha Mayo, RN, PhD
Thesis title: Prospective evaluation of cognitive functioning following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Current Position: Associate Professor and RBC Financial Chair in Oncology Nursing Research
Website: https://bloomberg.nursing.utoronto.ca/profile/samantha-mayo/
Jeanna McCuaig, PhD
Thesis Title: Evaluation of genetic service utilization and patient psychological response to the implementation of reflex BRCA1/2 tumour genetic testing for ovarian cancer
Current Position: Senior Manager, Diagnostics, Breast and Gyne Cancers, AstraZeneca Canada
Orla Smith, RN, PhD
Thesis Title: Prevalence and Predictors of Anxiety, Depression and Risk for Post-traumatic Stress in Family members of Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: The ICU-ADAPTS Survey
Current Position: Senior Clinical Program Director, Unity Health, Toronto, Ontario
Email: orla.smith@unityhealth.to
Website: https://research.unityhealth.to/researchers/orla-smith/