The culmination of months of planning, the fifth Biennial International Cancer Research Conference, Nov. 19 to 21, had everything, organizers say.

A record 270 registrants attended the conference, hosted virtually from Windsor by the Windsor Cancer Research Group, WE-Spark Health Institute’s flagship program.

“This was a conference that brought together all the ingredients that make cancer research and innovation flourish,” said Dora Cavallo-Medved, the group’s translational research director.

“From renowned researchers and surgeons to a visionary devoted to helping women with breast cancer. Inspiring patient stories to dynamic student presenters. An intimate EDI conversation where panellists shared their personal experiences to highlight how we can make healthcare and research more equitable, inclusive and diverse, to a virtual networking social for participants to make global connections.”

Keynote addresses were delivered by Sheila Singh, chief pediatric neurosurgeon from McMaster University, and Lucy Godley, professor of medicine from the University of Chicago. Liana Roodt, a surgeon from Cape Town, South Africa, shared her journey of launching Project Flamingo — a non-profit that provides free breast cancer surgery.

“It has been amazing to see the collaborative nature of researchers, health care professionals, students and community partners as they share their latest research findings,” said the group’s clinical research director, Caroline Hamm. “Their continued dedication to moving cancer research forward, even during a pandemic, is remarkable and will lead to better health outcomes for our patients locally and around the world.”

Attendees logged on from the Philippines, Iran, Switzerland, and South Africa, as well as Canada and the United States.

“Hosting an international cancer research conference allows us to showcase the research excellence happening in our region,” said Lisa Porter, executive director of WE-Spark Health Institute. “This puts us on the international stage and brings great recognition for what we are doing here in Windsor-Essex.”