For many women, the journey through breast cancer screening and diagnosis begins with uncertainty. Questions race through their minds. Fear lingers. And the unknown can feel overwhelming. Those are the moments that drive Dr. Doris Jabs.
Last summer, Dr. Jabs was appointed as the inaugural Rose of Hope Clinical Chair in Breast Health at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC). Since then, she has been leading efforts to transform breast cancer screening, imaging and care across southeastern Ontario, ensuring patients receive not only exceptional medical care, but also compassion, support and reassurance throughout their journey.
On June 4, Dr. Jabs shared that vision with members of the Women’s Giving Circle during their spring luncheon at Cataraqui Golf & Country Club.
As the featured researcher, she spoke passionately about the experiences of patients arriving at Breast Imaging Kingston (BIK) for the first time.
"They are navigating the fear and uncertainty of a breast-diagnostic journey," said Dr. Jabs.
Understanding those fears has inspired innovative new approaches to patient care, including BIK's popular Girls Night Out series.
The free events invite local women, Two-Spirit, trans and nonbinary individuals aged 40 and older to learn about breast health in a relaxed, welcoming and judgment-free environment. Participants can ask questions, connect with others, enjoy refreshments and, if they choose, complete a mammogram during the event.
The next event, Squish and Sip Thursday: Girls Night out at BIK, takes place on June 18 and encourages people to participate at whatever level feels comfortable; whether they're due for a mammogram, supporting a loved one or simply looking to learn more.
The initiative is one example of how Dr. Jabs is working to remove barriers that prevent people from accessing breast health care. She also highlighted efforts to better support underserved populations through partnerships with Indigenous organizations and community groups throughout the region.
At the heart of her work is a commitment to reimagining the patient experience.
Through advancements at BIK and the establishment of the clinical chair position, patients are already seeing improvements in navigation, follow-up care and access to services. Future enhancements, including the addition of a dedicated MRI unit at BIK, will allow patients to receive more of their breast imaging and diagnostic care in one location rather than travelling between multiple KHSC sites; an integrated “one-stop-shop” model that will be unique in Ontario.
"In my role as the Rose of Hope Clinical Chair in Breast Health, I think on the lessons that these women have taught me," said Dr. Jabs. "Lessons that are my motivation to change the future of breast health care in our region."
Many of those listening were among the very people who helped make that future possible.
Members of the Rose of Hope committee and Breast Cancer Action Kingston have spent decades advocating and fundraising for advancements in breast cancer care. Their efforts helped bring BIK to life, support the new MRI initiative and advance local breast health research.
Their work, combined with the generosity of groups like the Women's Giving Circle, continues to fuel innovation and discovery.
Research funding is particularly critical because many promising pilot projects and early-stage studies struggle to secure traditional grants. Yet these smaller initiatives often lay the groundwork for the breakthroughs that shape tomorrow's treatments and improve patient outcomes.
As the luncheon drew toward a close, the conversation took on an even more personal tone as former Women's Giving Circle Chair Lucille Davies stood to share her own breast cancer story.
Diagnosed in 2011 and again in 2012, Lucille reflected on what breast cancer care looked like at the time. Appointments took her across the city from Kingston General Hospital to Hotel Dieu Hospital, her family physician's office and Kingston Medical Imaging. The constant travel added another layer of stress to an already difficult experience.
That is why the opening of BIK meant so much to her. It’s also why she was thrilled when the Rose of Hope committee announced the creation of the Clinical Chair position now held by Dr. Jabs.
These advancements, Lucille said, are helping ensure future patients face fewer obstacles and a more coordinated care journey.
While preparing for the luncheon, Lucille had been looking through old medical records from her treatment years. As she flipped through the paperwork, one name caught her attention.
Her radiologist.
Dr. Doris Jabs.
Years earlier, Dr. Jabs had helped guide Lucille through her breast cancer journey. Now, through her leadership and research, she is helping transform that journey for countless others in a more streamlined manner with the team at BIK.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Jabs reflected on the lessons patients like Lucille have taught her throughout her career.
"Courage, resilience, vulnerability—but most importantly, hope."
It was a fitting conclusion to an afternoon that highlighted not only how far breast health care in our region has come, but also how philanthropy, research and patient experience continue to shape an even brighter future.
The Women’s Giving Circle is a University Hospitals Kingston Foundation donor group of more than 100 women who raise funds to support world-class research at KHSC and Providence Care. Members enjoy bi-annual luncheons featuring presentations from leading researchers, behind the scene hospital tours, voting rights on what research projects to fund, along with opportunities to learn firsthand about the impact of their generosity.
Membership is $42 per month (women 40 and over) or $21 per month (under 40).
To join or to learn more, visit the Women’s Giving Circle webpage or call 613-549-5452.