Nov 18, 2025
Dr. Lisa Porter
Dr. Lisa Porter has long been captivated by science and enjoys the challenge of uncovering the unknown. But that’s not the only reason why she’s dedicated her life to cancer research.
During her own mother’s cancer journey, Dr. Porter – who is originally from Northern Ontario – witnessed the inequities in access to diagnostics and care that exist across Canada. That experience — coupled with her desire to bring tangible benefits to cancer patients — has driven her career-long mission to not only understand cancer at its most complex, but to also ensure that discoveries in the lab translate into better outcomes for all cancer patients, no matter who they are or where they live.
Today, Dr. Porter is a Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Windsor and Core Principal Member at WE-SPARK Health Institute where she was the founding director. As the Windsor lead for the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network, she is working to ensure that the genetics and experiences of Windsor-Essex families are represented in Canada’s national precision oncology efforts. She’s also the principal investigator on a Network-supported project focused on understanding aggressive breast cancers that affect younger women — a critical but often understudied group.
We spoke with Dr. Porter about what inspires her work, the lessons she’s learned through research, and how Terry Fox’s legacy continues to guide her pursuit of hope and impact in cancer care.
Why did you become a cancer researcher? Was there a particular moment or experience that led to this decision?
For as long as I can remember I was captivated by science and the thrill of uncovering the unknown. I was very fortunate as a young girl to grow up in a supportive family and to have role models who encouraged me to tackle the tough problems without fear. Having this kind of support led me to one of our most complex and challenging problems in medicine and biology: cancer research. Cancer research is a field that not only tests our understanding of the human body down to the inner workings of each different type of cell but also holds the promise of hope for countless individuals and families affected by this disease.
Cancer research is difficult: progress is slow and for every step forward there may be quite a few steps backwards or sideways. What inspires you to keep going? What life lessons have you learned through cancer research?
My motivation is deeply personal. Like almost everyone, my life has been touched by cancer including losing my mom in her early 60s to an ‘undiagnosed primary’ cancer, meaning at this time her doctors were unable to determine where the cancer was coming from. Being from Northern Ontario, I was suddenly made aware of the inequities in cancer diagnostics and treatment that existed then, and remain today, across our country. This experience fuelled my growing determination to help others in similar situations, and to ensure that the discoveries made in my own lab were carried through to benefit patients. Throughout my career I’ve had the tremendous privilege of meeting amazing people, who like my mom and Terry Fox are facing this disease with resilience and courage. These individuals remind me daily of the vital importance to keep pushing for answers.
I’ve learned that there are so many individuals who have the talent and curiosity to excel in research, but do not have the same support and guidance that I have benefitted from. To elevate the cancer research ecosystem in Canada we need all students who love science to be encouraged, supported and to have role models who show them what is possible. Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) not only enriches our scientific community, but ensures that diverse perspectives are represented, this is critical for addressing our most complex challenges like cancer.
How would you explain your current research focus to a cancer patient or their family member?
Our team is focused on breast cancers that affect women under the age of 60, with a particular focus on those women who are of child-bearing age. There is a shocking lack of data to understand the role that childbirth and the early stages of menopause have on breast cancer. Our study brings together a large team of surgeons, pathologists, oncologists, researchers, and patient partners from the Windsor-Essex region with the goal of uncovering the clinical and biological factors that impact outcomes for these young women.
Windsor, like many regions supported by community hospitals in Canada, is often not represented in large national research projects. This project is special because three charitable organizations supporting the Windsor-Essex communities – Cancer Research Collaborative Fund, Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation and Transition to Betterness – have made it possible for Windsor to be part of the MOHCCN. This means that the genetics of the families that have resided here for generations will be part of the MOHCCN and all of the benefits that come from it.
Truly important problems require us to think outside the box, and to rally diverse expertise and resources. This MOHCCN project will set the foundation for transformative solutions for detecting these aggressive forms of breast cancer more rapidly and effectively. We are proud that Windsor-Essex is leading the way to finding bold answers for these young women.
What does Terry Fox mean to you? How does Terry inspire you?
Like many Canadians, I draw immense inspiration from the legacy of Terry Fox. I remember fondly when he ran through my hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, it is one of my most vivid childhood memories. His unwavering determination, despite facing unimaginable challenges, represents the power of hope – and we can never have enough hope in this field. Importantly, Terry touched all Canadians from coast to coast, in big communities and small, regardless of ethnicity or political ideology – we cheered him on and witnessed first-hand the amazing impact that one individual can make. That’s something we all should hold on to – we can all make an impact if we just try.
About the author
Dr. Lisa A. Porter is a Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Windsor. She was an inaugural member of the College of New Scholars in the Royal Society of Canada and initiated and supported the visioning and launch of WE-SPARK Health Institute which brings together academic and clinical institutions in the Windsor-Essex region. She sits on the board of Research Canada and is passionate about the value that research excellence brings to the health and care of the community that we serve. She has a deep appreciation for the importance of multi-disciplinary, collaborative research conducted with patients and the community to ensure rapid and effective translation of results and knowledge which fosters innovation & impact in the healthcare system.
Courtesy: https://www.marathonofhopecancercentres.ca/impact/news-item/q-a-with-dr.-lisa-porter--bringing-hope-and-discovery-to-communities-across-canada?fbclid=IwY2xjawOJsTpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFyc0g2SDZKcEhaOFEyekhLc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHp02Fh8JMDwI-c2Rf3GwsiBFf24Bt-DB12jo3YxnsdsaGwYpP2pA9hqHOnRj_aem_9HK7a4Uyq_Ksa1bCm-wdTQ
