Eligibility

Your participation in this research study, that was approved by the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, will allow you to be screened for ovarian and endometrial cancer. All individuals, symptomatic or asymptomatic, between the ages of 45 and 75 who have a uterus are eligible to participate.

Please note that having a previous tubal ligation could affect the detection of ovarian cancer.

We will also be accepting younger individuals who are at risk of developing ovarian or endometrial cancer (inherited genetic mutation).

Read the Frequently Asked Questions section for more information.

For women and individuals aged 45+ who do not have a uterus but present with vague symptoms such as difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, bloating or swelling of the abdomen, abdominal discomfort or pain, vaginal bleeding, painful intercourse, increased urinary frequency and changes in bowel movements, please consult our other study DOvEE for rapid access HERE.

Book Your Appointment
A testimony from Krisanne Kaloheretis, about her experience. (English Video)

Procedure

A testimony from Dominique Dagenais, about her experience. (French Video)

Visit 1: sign a consent form and complete all study related procedures. This includes completing a questionnaire, collecting a saliva sample (2mL), a blood sample (5mL), a transvaginal ultrasound, a conventional pap-test and the DOvEEgene test. This visit should not last more than 1 hour and a half.

Visit 2: in-person follow up where a repeat blood test will be performed and the results of the DOvEEgene test given to you. This visit should not last more than 20 minutes.

Phone follow up: you will receive 3 phone calls from our team after your second visit to follow up and ensure that there are no new health issues.

Read the Frequently Asked Questions section for more information.

Book Your Appointment

Location

The DOvEEgene team is currently based at the McGill University Health Center, Glen Site and at the Queen Elizabeth Health Complex. The entrance is currently located on 2111 Northcliffe Ave, Montreal, QC H4A 3K6.

Read the Frequently Asked Questions section for more information.

Book Your Appointment
Maps image of the DOvEEgene location on McGill University Health Center

F.A.Q.

As this test is being offered as a clinical study, we have to be strict with the age group. The test is only offered to individuals aged 45-75 inclusively. In reality, the average age of diagnosis for ovarian and endometrial cancer is 63. These cancers are most frequently diagnosed between the ages of 55-64. Consequently, the trial is capturing this age group which is at a greater risk of developing these cancers. This is similar to the mammogram which is only indicated for individuals aged 50-69 in Quebec as this is the population at risk for breast cancer.

Sources for facts about age HERE and additionally HERE

Breast cancer screening in Quebec information HERE

As with any gynecological procedure, the process can be described as uncomfortable. Since the sample for the DOvEEgene test is taken from the uterus, it may cause discomfort and cramping. However, the sampling is not as painful as an endometrial biopsy since we do not collect tissue. As pain is very subjective, we have had individuals in the past describe the procedure as very uncomfortable to no pain at all.

Our team is located in Montreal, Quebec and this is where the research study will take place. If you are willing to travel to us for both visits and are eligible to participate, you are more than welcome to call us for an appointment. We have the proper facilities to perform the study at this location as well as accommodate participants following COVID-19 regulation.

We plan to recruit between 3500 to 4000 individuals into the study. We expect to finish recruitment in 2 years, therefore we estimate the clinic to be open between May 2021 to May 2023 but this timeframe is not fixed.

Any individuals between the ages of 45-75 with a uterus is able to participate. If you are younger than 45 and have proof of a genetic mutation (such as BRCA1/2 or MSH2/6) predisposing you to ovarian and/or endometrial cancer, you are eligible and can call us to book an appointment. We would ask for proof of this genetic test result before the first visit. If you haven’t been tested, we suggest you speak to your family doctor about genetic counselling to assess your risk.

Yes, we have set up the clinic in order to accommodate participants in a safe environment. This means that we are respecting all sanitary and physical distancing guidelines.

No, as this is a study funded by Genome Canada, Genome Quebec and the MUHC Foundation, all research related costs are covered. Any medical procedure such as a blood test or ultrasound is covered by RAMQ and therefore would necessitate a valid Health Insurance card.

Unfortunately, the DOvEEgene test collects cells from the uterus therefore we cannot accept anyone who has previously had a hysterectomy. However, if you do develop symptoms of ovarian cancer such as abdominal or pelvic pain, lower back pain, increased urinary frequency, early satiety, etc. then you can call us to participate in our other study, the DOvEE project, where you will receive a blood test and a transvaginal ultrasound.