Sevtap Savas, Professor of Genetics and Oncology

I am a professor of Genetics and Oncology at Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada). My main interests are identifying social and medical outcomes of cancer patients and their predictors (including demographic and biological markers). In the last few years, I also become interested in patient-oriented research and public engagement. I lead the Public Interest Group on Cancer Research that consists of cancer-affected public members as well as cancer scientists. This group designs studies and public outreach activities, including public conferences. It is quite an active local cancer advocacy group as well. In addition, I am a member of Atlantic Cancer Consortium and have roles in organizations/committees with an aim of addressing the issues faced by cancer patients and family members. Help controlling cancer and its effects on the population is very important for me. By doing all of these – that is research, public outreach, advocacy, and committee service, I believe that I contribute to positive change, better studies, effective advocacy, and genuine public outreach that will eventually lead to better survival outcomes, experiences and conditions for cancer patients.