Through innovative research on cancer treatment and prevention, members of the UBC Faculty of Medicine are attacking cancer on several fronts. Building from a rich tradition of discovery science, our people and partners are taking hold of new technologies and are exploring new areas of research to advance knowledge and improve care.
Skip to Stories
Discoveries
- 2017: New subtypes of ovarian cancer discovered
- 2017: Drug created from malaria parasite stops cancer in mice
- 2016: Gene linked to aggressive prostate cancer found
- 2016: Genetic mutations of rare gastric cancer found
- 2016: Human clinical trials start for new prostate cancer drug
- 2015: Scientists grow breast cancer from a single cancer cell
Spotlight

Exercise improves survival for colon cancer patients
Findings from a landmark 17-year study suggest a structured exercise program reduces the risk of disease recurrence and new primary cancers.
Read more >

Colorectal cancer leaves lasting toll on women’s sexual health
UBC-led study finds women with colorectal cancer are more likely to sexual health challenges, even long after treatment as ended.
Read more >

From cancer therapies to a new generation of vaccines—how UBC professor Pieter Cullis transformed drug delivery
Nearly 50 years of research by Dr. Pieter Cullis and his collaborators is powering a medical revolution.
Read more >

Certain bacteria in breast tumour environments may fuel cancer spread
UBC Medicine research is reshaping our understanding of how cancer spreads and could lead to new ways to slow or stop metastasis.
Read more >

Researchers develop new way to match young cancer patients with the right drugs
In a new study, a pan-Canadian team led by UBC researchers shows how chicken eggs and protein analysis can find personalized treatments for young cancer patients.
Read more >

New test identifies high-risk childhood brain tumours, improving treatment decisions
The test could transform the way the most common type of malignant tumour in children is treated globally.
Read more >

Ultrasound improves cancer detection in women with dense breasts
A new UBC study highlights how ultrasound can detect cancers in dense breast tissue that would otherwise be missed by standard mammography.
Read more >

Cancer-like mutations in healthy cells point to origins of breast cancer
Understanding how cancer-causing mutations arise could lead to new methods for early detection, prevention and treatment.
Read more >

Drug discovery could prevent spread of childhood bone cancer
By stopping cancer from spreading to the lungs, the drug could give children and teens battling osteosarcoma a greater chance of survival.
Read more >

How to choose the right sunscreen this summer
Dr. Monica Li debunks common sunscreen myths and discusses how you can choose the best protection for your skin.
Read more >