The Optimisticc team is supported through the Cancer Grand Challenges initiative. Learn more here
The Optimisticc team is supported through the Cancer Grand Challenges initiative. Learn more here
Watch Dr. Laura Porter's presentation at the 2nd Annual Global Colon Cancer Association's 2021 Congress Thriving Patient Advocate | Global Colorectal Cancer Congress (gccacongress.org)
A collaboration of the Quirke and Huttenhower labs has led to the publication of two papers, in Clinical Cancer Research and Genome Medicine, that report a microbiome signature that is associated with colorectal cancer and is consistent between developed and...
The Infectious Diseases Society of America Foundation has recognized OPTIMISTICC Co-Investigator Dr. Cindy Sears, as a 2021 Women of ID honoree for her impactful career in infectious disease research, compassionate care, and mentoring the next generation of ID...
Team OPTIMISTICC kicked off Colon Cancer Awareness month at our March 5 team meeting, where we honored Dress in Blue Day by photographing ourselves in our many shades of blue. In the top row of the left photograph above you will see Anita Mitchell Isler, who started...
What seemed to be impossible at the age of 40 became a reality in October of 1995. Married with three young children 7, 9 and 13 years old, and practicing law in Montreal, I thought I had it all. I was sure the constant migraines were the caused by the bright lights...
I was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer following an emergency presentation with a rectal haemorrhage. I had severe complications immediately post-surgery and I was not expected to survive. I am one of the lucky ones. I am now a 20 year survivor who has beaten the odds and...
I was diagnosed with IV Colon Cancer in 2005 just after turning 41. I had been to my primary doctor 5 months earlier complaining of blood in my stool and diarrhea.I was told it was hemorrhoids and not to worry, I did not need a colonoscopy, like it was a bad thing. I...
It was in 2002-03 Christmas time when I suffered continuous gastrointestinal troubles. I’m a psychologist, a professional who, at that time, was very busy and, threatened by the idea of suffering cancer, I used to say that I did not have time enough to visit any...
Graduate students Avery Robinson and Jacob Wilde contributed to a book chapter with Emma Allen-Vercoe that covers many aspects of Fusobacteria biology. Entitled "Fusobacteria: Physiology, Form and Function" it is published in "Colorectal neoplasia and the...
Pop some champagne and toast Avery Robinson and Greg Higgins of the Allen-Vercoe lab! Avery won a Canada Graduate Scholarship - 3-year Doctoral Award, and Greg won a Canada Graduate Scholarship 1 year Master's award, both from the Canadian Institutes of Health...
Bowel cancer Cancer refers to a collection of diseases in which some of the body’s cells divide uncontrollably and can spread to other parts of the body. Cancers can arise throughout the body but are generally divided into solid (e.g. bowel) or blood-based (e.g....
On October 27, 2020, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued a recommendation that colorectal cancer screening of individuals at average risk for the disease start at age 45 rather than age 50. “This recommendation is hugely impactful,” said OPTIMISTICC...
