Stéphanie Bernard Receives a Major Grant from the Canadian Cancer Society

Cirris is pleased to announce that researcher Stéphanie Bernard has been awarded a major grant of $534,800 through the Canadian Cancer Society’s Emerging Scholar Research Grant Competition – Pillar 1. This five-year grant (2026–2031) will support a project aimed at better understanding and preventing gynecological side effects associated with breast cancer treatments.

Gaining a Better Understanding of a Reality That Has Yet to Be Thoroughly Studied

Many people undergoing treatment for breast cancer experience gynecological side effects, such as vaginal dryness, irritation, or pain. These symptoms can have a significant impact on quality of life, interpersonal relationships, sexual health, and psychological well-being. Although decreased estrogen levels are recognized as a major factor, recent data suggest that changes in nerves and muscles may also contribute to the onset of these symptoms.

To better understand this phenomenon, Stéphanie Bernard and her team will follow 186 people receiving chemotherapy or hormone therapy for breast cancer. The study will determine when pain begins, how it changes over the course of treatment, which factors increase the risk of developing these symptoms, and what the consequences are for sexual health and quality of life.

Toward Earlier and More Personalized Care

The results of this research will help improve the early detection of vulvar pain and identify those most at risk. Ultimately, they will help facilitate faster and more appropriate care, with the goal of reducing pain and improving the quality of life and sexual health of people living with breast cancer.

A catalyst for developing a research program

For Stéphanie Bernard, this grant represents a pivotal step in the development of her research program: “This funding is fundamental to my research program. As an early-career researcher, it allows me to launch a study on a long-neglected aspect of women’s health following cancer treatment. It also reflects recognition of the fact that research on cancer survival, as well as rehabilitation and supportive care, plays an essential role in cancer research.”

Cirris warmly congratulates Stéphanie Bernard on this award and wishes her every success in carrying out this project, which will help advance knowledge and care for people affected by breast cancer.