Participants needed for the Polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT)

Polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) skin imaging project

BC Cancer and UBC Biomedical Engineering are collaborating on an innovative new medical imaging system. This project aims to develop a practical and accurate optical method for measuring skin properties. Optical coherence tomography is a non-invasive imaging method best described as “ultrasound but with light”, which allows us to reveal key health properties of the skin. We are looking to make technology that can measure skin properties to both help detect skin cancer, and give clues on how to best treat it.

Who can participate?

  • We are looking to measure on healthy skin in a wide array of skin types.
  • Anyone 18 or over can participate.

Who should not participate?

  • Anyone who would find it difficult to sit still while having measurements taken.
  • Anyone unable to give informed consent in English.

What is involved?

  • Demographic questionnaire (taken on site)
  • Imaging session at a UBC laboratory (1 hour)

What to do if I am interested?

To find out more details, please see the full details in our consent form. To register for an appointment, please email researcher Sina Maloufi at sinamalo@student.ubc.ca

An overview of the study

Participants needed for the Gut Microbiome and Breast Cancer

WANT TO CONTRIBUTE TO PREVENTION RESEARCH FOR THE MOST COMMON CANCER ACROSS THE GLOBE?

Dr. Murphy is leading a research study which seeks to understand whether the bacteria in a person’s gut (the microbiome) may play a role in the development of breast cancer. 

Who can participate?

  • Women who are post-menopausal
  • Have either
    • Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (ER and/or PR) stage I-III and have not yet received therapy
    • OR do not have breast cancer

What's involved?

  • Health questionnaire (online) 
  • Diet history questionnaire (online)
  • Stool sample (a kit will be mailed to you)
  • Blood sample (collected at your local LifeLabs)

What do I do if I am interested?

Complete a 2 minutes screening survey to determine eligibility.

https://redcap.bccrc.ca/surveys/?s=XFP99KL973DP3DMT

To learn how to volunteer, call 1.604.822.9191 or email at breast.health@ubc.ca

An overview of the study

Participants needed for the Melatonin, Nightshift Work and DNA Damage (MEND) Study

PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH IN MELATONIN, NIGHTSHIFT WORK AND DNA DAMAGE (MEND) STUDY

Melatonin suppression in nightshift workers is associated with reduced ability to repair DNA damage, which may contribute to increased risks of cancer. Dr. Parveen Bhatti is leading a research study to determine if melatonin supplementation can reverse these effects in nightshift workers.

Who can participate? 

  • 18- 50 years of age
  • BMI within the range of 18.5- 30
  • Live and work in the Greater Vancouver area
  • Primary work nightshifts at least 7 hours in duration ending no earlier than 6 AM, at least 2-3 nights per week over the past 6 months 
  • Sleep at least 4 hours each day after completing a nightshift

Who should not participate in this study?

  • Are currently using melatonin supplements
  • Have a personal history of hormonal disorders, seizure disorders or chronic medical condition
  • Have been diagnosed with sleep disorders 
  • Are currently using illicit drugs
  • Are currently pregnant or breast feeding
  • For more details, please read the informed consent page 3

What's involved?

  • Complete questionnaires
  • Donate urine samples
  • Wear a watch-like device to measure sleep quality

What do I do if I am interested?

Complete a 5 minutes screening to interview to determine eligibility

To learn how to volunteer, or set up a screening interview, call 1.604-675.8056 or email at alai@bccrc.ca

For those that participate in the study, a token of appreciation for your time will be offered.

Click on the link below to find out more about the eligibility criteria and informed consent. 

Participants informed consent form

An overview of the study

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