Dr. Steven Narod is a world-renowned authority in breast and ovarian cancer genetics and prevention at the University of Toronto. He currently holds the prestigious position of Tier I Canada Research Chair in Breast Cancer while serving as a full professor in both the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and the Department of Medicine. As a senior scientist at Women's College Research Institute, Dr. Narod leads the Familial Breast Cancer Research Unit, directing comprehensive investigations into hereditary cancer syndromes. His academic journey has established him as one of the most influential figures in cancer genetics, with research spanning multiple continents and diverse populations.
Dr. Narod's groundbreaking research has fundamentally reshaped understanding of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations and their implications for cancer risk assessment and prevention strategies. With more than 900 peer-reviewed publications and an exceptional h-index of 110, he stands as the most-cited researcher globally in the field of breast cancer, demonstrating extraordinary scholarly impact. His seminal work has proven that prophylactic surgeries and targeted medications can significantly reduce the incidence of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers among high-risk mutation carriers. Dr. Narod's extensive database of 17,000 mutation carriers from 20 countries serves as an invaluable resource for international cancer research collaborations, enabling critical insights across diverse ethnic populations including French-Canadian, Polish, Bahamian, and Ashkenazi Jewish communities.
Beyond his research accomplishments, Dr. Narod has profoundly influenced clinical practice guidelines worldwide through his rigorous investigations into cancer prevention and screening methodologies. His election as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2012 and receipt of the prestigious 2016 Killam Prize in health sciences and 2015 Basser Global Prize underscore his exceptional contributions to medical science. Dr. Narod continues to advance the field through ongoing longitudinal studies and innovative approaches to cancer risk assessment, maintaining his position at the forefront of breast cancer research. His work remains instrumental in developing evidence-based strategies that save lives through early detection and targeted prevention of hereditary cancers.
