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“My attitude toward survival has shifted significantly because of The Princess Margaret.”

While every cancer journey is different, Luana Locke’s is truly one of a kind and demonstrates the power of early detection. At the age of 25, while pregnant with her first child, Luana Locke was diagnosed with breast cancer. That diagnosis triggered genetic testing, which revealed even more devastating news. She had a rare hereditary disorder, Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS), that comes with an almost 100% chance of developing cancer again in her lifetime.

Breakthroughs in early detection at The Princess Margaret are the reason Luana has now survived cancer six times. Each time, the cancer was discovered in its earliest stages and successfully treated. “My attitude toward survival has shifted significantly because of The Princess Margaret,” said Luana. Currently, she is happily cancer-free.

Dr. Raymond Kim, Medical Director of Cancer Early Detection and the Bhalwani Familial Cancer Clinic at The Princess Margaret, has been a trusted physician to Luana for the past 10 years.  “Early detection is the surest path to curing cancer,” Dr. Kim explains. “By advancing technologies like new imaging techniques and liquid biopsies, we can diagnose cancer at its earliest stages. These approaches are far less invasive than traditional methods, such as surgery-based biopsies. Precision cancer care guided by genetics allows us to create personalized treatment plans, giving patients a better chance at longer, healthier lives.”

Requiring only a blood draw, the technology of liquid biopsies is set to transform health outcomes for thousands of cancer patients around the world. This innovative technique, pioneered at The Princess Margaret, works by detecting tiny fragments of cancer DNA that have been shed by tumours into a patient’s bloodstream.

Dr. Kim also highlights the critical role of fundraising in making these breakthroughs possible. “None of this would happen without the support of our donor community. Philanthropy drives the early detection research that enables patients to live free from the fear of cancer.”

“I knew this clinical trial was my best shot at survival.”

Jen Pogue was a young, vibrant actor and producer, busy developing her debut television series, when she found a lump in her breast.

It was the only symptom of stage 4, triple-negative breast cancer – a rare and aggressive form that came with limited treatment options and only two to five years of life expectancy. “My entire world collapsed,” Jen recalls.

She was quickly referred to Dr. Eitan Amir, Head of the Solid Tumour Oncology Program at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. “When I met Dr. Amir, he told me exactly what I needed to hear, which was, ‘We have an option for you.”

For Jen, he proposed a new clinical trial involving a unique combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. “I knew this clinical trial was my best shot at survival,” she said. After just one treatment, Jen’s tumour shrank by 50%. Within six months, her scans were clean, and her lesions were either benign or had dissolved. For Jen, it meant living in a world free from the fear of cancer.

Dr. Amir believes that immunotherapy, a newer cancer treatment, only available at that time at world-leading cancer centres such as The Princess Margaret, taught Jen’s body to fight the cancer on its own. “As a doctor, I’m always impressed by the culture of innovation here at The Princess Margaret. It really helps us find new ways of treating cancer.”

“Philanthropy plays a critical role in advancing cancer research. It allows us to identify new ways to diagnose and treat patients and help people like Jen live free from the fear of cancer. We are so grateful for the support of donors to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation”.

“I’m immensely grateful for Princess Margaret donors.”

A highly respected HR practitioner, Munira was at the top of her game when symptoms, including fatigue and a reduced appetite, led to her needing an emergency blood transfusion. Suddenly, she was faced with a devastating diagnosis: stage 3 multiple myeloma – an incurable blood cancer. But the worst was yet to come. One week later, she was diagnosed with a second cancer, stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, an aggressive form of cancer that attacks the lymph tissue.

“I went through all the stages of grief… sadness, depression, anger… I never imagined this would be my life,” recalled Munira. And so, she began a journey of chemotherapy, medication, and stem-cell transplants. Nothing could have prepared her for what came next. Three years after her initial diagnoses, and while still going through treatment, she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer.

That third diagnosis is what pushed her to seek help from Dr. Mary Elliott, a psychiatrist at the Psychosocial Oncology Clinic at The Princess Margaret. “I felt that I needed a space where I could speak to somebody and gain perspective,” said Munira. The clinic provides practical and psychological care for patients and their loved ones to help them cope with their illness and treatment. “Having someone who understands cancer – it’s exactly what I needed,” said Munira.

Today, Munira’s lymphoma and breast cancer are in remission, and she takes an immunotherapy medicine to keep the myeloma at bay. Now she’s able to be a source of support for others, offering advice and resources to other cancer patients, and encouraging them to look for hope wherever they can.

“Hope is everything to me. I don’t think you can have hope without gratitude. I’m immensely grateful for Princess Margaret donors. Because of them, I know I get the best possible care.”