Canada’s leading ovarian cancer researchers, clinicians, patient partners, and trainees come together at this biennial national conference to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and drive research progress.
Hosted in a different Canadian city every two years, CCOCR is internationally recognized for its scientifically robust program and emphasis on networking and mentorship. The 12th edition will take place in Vancouver, BC, bringing together experts to showcase excellence across the care continuum from prevention and early detection to treatment and survivorship. The Gynecologic Cancer Initiative (GCI) and Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC) are proud to co-lead CCOCR alongside national and local scientific and clinical leaders, patient partners, and trainees. Together, we are shaping a program that reflects Canada’s leadership in ovarian cancer research and its commitment to accelerating impact through collaboration.
CLOSES JANUARY 30, 2026
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
Abstracts are invited for oral and poster presentations. Submissions should reflect innovative research aligned with one or more of the following key themes:
High-grade serous, Origins and prevention, Survivorship, Rare cancers, Clinical trials, Endometrial, Microenvironment and immune, Novel therapeutics, Lived experience informed, Emerging technologies, and/or Risk, early detection, and prevention.
Call for abstracts close
Abstracts announced
Late-breaking abstracts open
Late-breaking abstracts close
Late-breaking abstracts announced
REGISTRATION FEES
EARLY BIRD PRICING (UNTIL JANUARY 30, 2026)
DELEGATE
$450.00
EARLY BIRD PRICING (UNTIL JANUARY 30, 2026)
TRAINEE
$350.00
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
NEW THIS YEAR
FOUR CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS ON KEY AREAS OF INTEREST
STREAM ONE
NOVEL THERAPEUTICS
This track explores advances in established and emerging therapeutics. By highlighting both molecularly targeted therapies and new drug development platforms, these sessions will showcase how precision medicine is reshaping the treatment landscape to improve patient outcomes, extend survival, and overcome resistance in ovarian cancer.
STREAM TWO
LIVED EXPERIENCE INFORMED
This track highlights the importance of patient partner engagement in research, highlighting how the integration of lived/living experience enhances scientific relevance and impact. Sessions will also explore survivorship, supportive care, mental health, and quality-of-life research priorities.
STREAM THREE
Emerging Technologies
Focusing on cutting-edge research tools and technologies, this stream will showcase innovations such as artificial intelligence, humanized models, ctDNA profiling, and spatial biology. By strengthening the research toolkit, this theme underscores the importance of methodological advances for accelerating discovery and translation into clinical practice.
STREAM FOUR
RISK, EARLY DETECTION AND PREVENTION
Dedicated to reducing incidence and improving outcomes, this track will explore the latest epidemiology and population health research, genetic risk profiling, novel screening approaches, and advancements in prevention strategies. Emphasis will be placed on translating research into actionable population health interventions.
WHAT'S ON?
GCI Trainee Research Day
Join the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative for the 6th Annual Trainee Research Day on Thursday, May 28th, held one day before the CCOCR kick-off. This full day event features trainee oral and poster presentations, keynote talks, a career development panel, and concludes with a reception. Presentations and posters will be judged, with prizes awarded for excellence. The day fosters mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and capacity building to advance excellence in gynecologic cancer research and training.
Trainee Workshop
The Trainee Workshop will take place on May 29th, the morning prior to the official conference launch later that afternoon. This foundational workshop offers sessions spanning Ovarian Cancer 101 from prevention through survivorship, Basics of patient engagement, as well as interactive activities and a patient-trainee networking lunch. Patient partners are invited to engage as attendees and panel speakers, contributing valuable lived experience to enrich discussion and learning. To support preparation and maximize learning outcomes, a three-page “prep kit” of key facts and resources will be distributed in advance of the workshop.
Canadian Conference on Ovarian Cancer Research
The conference features seven Plenary sessions led by Canadian and International experts, alongside invited Main sessions, proffered abstracts, panel discussions, and poster sessions. New this year are four concurrent breakout sessions offering focused discussions on emerging areas of research and practice. Presentations will span a range of research approaches (e.g., basic science and discovery, translational and preclinical studies, clinical trials, real-world and pragmatic research, psychosocial and mixed-methods studies, implementation science, and work addressing social determinants of health and equity) and will highlight key challenges and advances across the continuum of care, from prevention through survivorship. Networking events, including two poster receptions and a “Meet-the-Experts” breakfast, will further foster mentorship, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
Evening social event
May 30, 2026
Evening social event to facilitate new and deepened collaborative relationships.
Plunge for the Cure
May 31, 2026
Following a morning of conference sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the annual Plunge for the Cure before returning for lunch and an afternoon of programming. Plunge for the Cure is a registered Canadian charity that was established to raise funds for drug and treatment development targeting ovarian cancer. Supporters fundraise annually, as individuals or as a team, and then take part in celebrating the arrival of summer by plunging into the water at Kitsilano Beach on the last Sunday in May to help us crush ovarian cancer. The event will raise funds for drug and treatment development for ovarian cancer through the world-renowned UBC/VGH research facilities in Vancouver.
SPEAKERS
William Foulkes
MBBS, PhD, FRCPC
Plenary
Rare cancers
James Brenton
MBBS, PhD
Plenary
High-grade serous
Yvette Drew
MD FRCPC, MBBS, PhD
Plenary
Emerging therapies
Jessica McAlpine,
MD, FRCPC
Plenary
Endometrial
CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES
CATALYZE COLLABORATION
ACCELERATE
INNOVATION
ADVANCE PATIENT-CENTERED RESEARCH
FOSTER MENTORSHIP AND
CAPACITY BUILDING
INFORM POLICY AND
SYSTEM CHANGE
CONFERENCE ORGANIZERS