Currently Accepting Students
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.
Catriona Buick
Understanding Adherence Behaviours in Women with Premalignant Cervical Abnormalities and Knowledge of Their Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Status
Catriona Buick’s research is primarily focused on the prevention of cervical cancer. Using a biopsychosocial framework, her dissertation aims to examine the impact of oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) diagnosis on adherence to recommended screening behaviours in women. By identifying the prevalence and predictors of screening adherence, her future work will contribute to the design and evaluation of tailored interventions that address these modifiable behaviours within high-risk subgroups of the population.
Jacqueline Galica
Jacqueline Galica is interested in the skills that cancer survivors use to cope with their psychosocial concerns, particularly their fear of recurrence. Fear of recurrence has been found to exist in 27 to 80 per cent of survivor samples and has been predominantly assessed in survivors of breast cancer. Her goal is to generate evidence about understudied populations, while recruiting the highest numbers of survivors from cancers that affect both sexes.
Orla Smith
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
Orla Smith is conducting a cross-sectional, multicentre, interviewer-administered survey study of family members of critically ill adults. The primary objective is to explore modifiable and non-modifiable patient, family member and decision-making characteristics that predict symptoms of anxiety, depression and risk for post-traumatic stress in this population. If modifiable predictors of psychological distress can be identified, targeted support interventions can be developed and tested.