Up to 100,000 Canadians could get free genomic testing in new joint study with U.S. hospitals – CTV
November 06, 2025
Patients at a Toronto hospital will soon have an opportunity to undergo DNA testing for conditions linked to hereditary cancer and heart disease as part of what is being billed as one of Canada’s “largest population genomics studies.”
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre is working with Helix on the initiative. There are currently 15 U.S. hospitals that have already partnered with Helix but Princess Margaret is the first Canadian hospital to join its research network. U.S. genomics company
The study, labelled “OurGenes” aims to enroll up to 100,000 participants over the next five years, offering free genetic testing for conditions linked to hereditary cancer and heart disease.
“The screening results from this study will allow participants and their healthcare team to make proactive decisions about their health, potentially delaying, reducing, or even preventing cancer or heart disease‚” officials wrote in Thursday’s news release.
The goal, researchers say, is to advance early detection and develop approaches to help people manage their health in a “personalized approach.”
