2025 INDUCTEE Steven A. Narod, MD Science and Research, Cells, Genetics & Genomics, Cancer
July 31, 1954
(Seattle, Washington)
MD, The University of British Columbia (1979)
2023: Alumni Excellence in Research Award, UBC
2023: Mclaughlin Medal, Royal Society of Canada
See All AwardsAwards & Honours:
2023: Alumni Excellence in Research Award, UBC
2023: Mclaughlin Medal, Royal Society of Canada
2019: Lifetime Achievement Award, Canadian Society of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
2016: Adjunct Professor (Honorary), Dept. Obstetrics and Gynecology, MedUni Wien
2016: Basser Global Prize, Basser Centre for BRCA, University of Pennsylvania
2016: Killiam Prize, Health Sciences, Canada Council for the Arts
2014: Karen Campbell Award, Ovarian Cancer Canada
2013: O. Harold Warwick Award, Canadian Cancer Society
2013: Champion of Genetics, Canadian Gene Cure Foundation
2013: Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
2012: Spirit of Empowerment Award, FORCE
2012: Fellow, Canadian Academy of Health Science
2012: Fellow, Royal Society of Cancer
2011: Honorary PHD, Pomeranian University of Medicine, Poland
2005: Most Cited Researcher in Breast Cancer, Web of Science
2004: Silver Anniversary Award, UBC Medical Alumni Association
A brilliant investigator in cancer genetics
By studying hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, Steven Narod, MD has improved outcomes for countless patients. In 1991, Dr. Narod was the first to establish a genetic link between these two pervasive cancers. He was also a member of the research teams that discovered the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, which revolutionized the early detection and treatment of cancers related to these mutations. Under his direction, Women’s College Hospital in Toronto has become Canada’s top centre for studying inherited cancer. In 2017, Dr. Narod launched The Screen Project, an online portal that allows all Canadians to access genetic testing without doctor referrals and wait times. Dr. Narod realized the immense preventative benefit that this expanded testing would offer, both to participants and to their relatives. His work extends far beyond hereditary cancer, encompassing other forms of cancer as well as quality of life and therapeutic options after diagnosis. A valued leader, collaborator, and lecturer, Dr. Narod has shared his extensive knowledge in many ways, including in his ground-breaking book, A Fair Trial: The Foundations of Breast Cancer. After nearly four decades of research and advocacy, he remains at the forefront of cancer prevention and treatment.
Key Facts
A world-renowned geneticist and breast cancer researcher who identified the role of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in hereditary breast and ovarian cancers
Under his direction since 1995, Women’s Research Institute in Toronto has become Canada’s top centre for studying inherited cancer
His research led to genetic testing protocols and guidelines that identify and help those at risk, dramatically reducing mortality from breast and ovarian cancers
Established benefit of preventive oophorectomy in reducing mortality in BRCA1/BRCA2 carriers and showed that bilateral mastectomy does not reduce death from breast cancer
Established the superiority of screening MRI over mammography in BRCA carriers
Fun Fact: Born on the same day as John E. Dick 2024 CMHF Laureate - not sure what hour of the day!
Professional timeline
Impact on lives today
Dr. Narod's work fundamentally changed how we understand and prevent hereditary cancers. A 2007 article that he co-authored for Clinical Cancer Research remains the most highly cited breast cancer paper from Canada. By identifying how BRCA gene mutations increase cancer risk, he established the scientific basis for genetic testing that now helps women worldwide assess their cancer risk and take preventive measures. In addition, his discoveries paved the way for targeted treatments and personalized medicine approaches beyond hereditary cancer, making cancer care more effective and potentially saving millions of lives across generations.
2025
-
Reached 30-year mark at Women’s College Hospital
-
Dr. Narod published A Fair Trial: The Foundations of Breast Cancer
Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention, CancerThe book draws on Dr. Narod’s extensive experience and expertise to examine the current model of breast cancer screening and treatment.
-
Co-authored two seminal articles in JAMA Oncology showing drastic reductions in mortality for women with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation with specific screening and preventative measures
-
Dr. Narod launched the Screen Project
Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention, Cancerwhich is the world’s first program offering affordable genetic testing to all Canadian adults through an online portal using a direct-to-consumer model.
-
Became the first Canadian to receive the Basser Global Prize for excellence in health sciences research
-
Published “Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Clinical Features and Patterns of Recurrence,” a landmark paper that received more than 4,000 citations
-
Became the Canada Research Chair in Breast Cancer
-
Established breast cancer research program at Women’s College Hospital
-
BRCA1 and BRCA2 discoveries
CancerDr. Narod was a member of the research teams that discovered these pivotal genes and their role in hereditary cancers. To better understand the life journey of women who carry these mutations, he created an International Risk Factor Study that, as of 2025, includes over 18,000 enrollers from 20 countries. The goal of this project was to identify risk factors and effective preventive strategies for women with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.
-
Dr. Narod first established the genetic link between breast and ovarian cancers, publishing his findings in The Lancet
Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention, Cancer -
Completed his fellowship at the International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
Began the hunt for BRCA1 with Gilbert Lenoir and Henry Lynch
-
Completed his residency in Community Medicine at the University of Ottawa
-
Entered medical school at UBC
1975
Everybody should know that behind the big name ‘Dr. Steven Narod’ is a man who truly cares about saving the lives of women who are affected by this gene mutation.
You might also be interested in these Laureates
