New advances are badly needed;
ovarian cancer is usually discovered
when it’s too late to treat
present at Ovarian Cancer Canada’s
annual conference last fall, Beaulac
says, “I have a lot more hope.”
Postovit’s team is also searching
for connections between advanced
breast cancer and advanced ovarian
cancer. “If we can find those common
factors,” she explains, “then we could
probably treat a lot of advanced
cancers.”
Eight of Postovit’s 11-member
research team joined her from
Western University where they
worked on breast cancer research.
“Lynne created a working
environment like a home,” says
“Just pass.”
Fifteen years later, in 2009, she won
Canada’s Premier Young Researcher,
which the Canadian Institutes of
Health Research awards to one
promising scientist at the beginning
of their career. By then she had
published several papers in stem cell
and cancer journals, some of which
are framed and hung around her new
office like signposts of progress.
“It’s very promising,” says Beaulac
of Postovit’s work. “The quicker
she can get her research done and
financed, the better it is for all women
in Canada.”
Guahai Zhang, a veteran researcher
who was quick to join her new lab.
“You feel confident to develop your
credentials and learn something
new.”
“Everyone in the lab wants to see
their work make a big difference,”
says Postovit. “We are able to do
more creative and important research
here.” And take more risks, which she
says is central to advancing medicine.
Postovit remembers the day
her father, an automotive factory
engineer, dropped her off for her first
day at Queen’s University. He shook
her hand and simply advised her:
Dr. Lynne Postovit
