PROF. GIRISH SHAH, the recipient of “Outstanding Achievement in Carcinoid/ Neuroendocrine Tumor Research” in 2006 from the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation, Inc. of USA, is a Professor at the Faculty of Medicine at Laval University in Quebec City. He has been chief of the Laboratory for Skin Cancer Research at the CHU de Quebec (CHUL) Hospital Research Centre of Laval University since 1997. Prof. Shah’s research is focused on carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors and solar ultraviolet radiation-induced skin cancers with specific emphasis on DNA damage, DNA repair and cell death processes, all of which can influence either the development of these cancers or their resistance to therapy. Dr. Shah has authored 55 peer-reviewed articles, which have been cited more than 2,387 times in literature. In addition, he has authored 4 book chapters and 119 presentations at the meetings. Dr. Shah’s team, in collaboration with two carcinoid clinicians in Canada and USA, had earlier reported that nearly ¼ of the carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor patients suffer from subclinical niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency, an incidence that is much higher than pellagra, the clinical niacin deficiency syndrome reported in these patients. His recent work has identified how this biochemical anomaly can be exploited to improve efficiency of chemotherapy of carcinoid NET cancers. He is currently also the President of the Scientific & Medical Advisory Board of CNETS Canada.

Genna works at the University of Ottawa and previously taught high school Psychology. Educated in Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Canada, she combines her academic background with her lived experience as a rare cancer patient. After many years of misdiagnosis, she underwent an adrenalectomy at The Ottawa Hospital in December 2023 to remove a pheochromocytoma.

Her journey did not end with surgery. Genna is now part of a longitudinal medical research study, contributing in the hope of advancing knowledge and finding answers for this rare cancer. She also co-leads patient support groups with both the Pheo Para Alliance and CNETS, helping others navigate the challenges of diagnosis and treatment.

Beyond her advocacy, Genna is a mother of two, wife to one, and human to an orange tabby named Charlie. Above all, she is committed to ensuring that no one facing a rare condition has to feel alone.

After being diagnosed with metastatic Neuroendocrine cancer in 2023, Angela discovered the support, community and unwavering dedication of CNETS to NET cancer patients and their families. Having always volunteered with community organizations and initiatives throughout her life, she became involved in patient advocacy and NET Cancer awareness with CNETS in 2024 drawing on her background in Administration in Education. Angela is enthusiastic about the opportunity to have an impact on the evolution of better diagnostic timing, diagnostic techniques, treatments and outcomes for NET patients as CNETS continues to work with researchers and practitioners in Canada and internationally.
She lives in Ottawa with her husband where they enjoy outdoor sporting pursuits, indoor creative making and frequent visits from their local three (launched) adult children.