Vanessa Rouach
Vanessa is striving to make waves in breast cancer research
- Age: 39
- Field: Epidemiology
- Lives in: Ra'anana
- Mother of two children
My Research: The link between medication for the prevention of bone loss and breast cancer in women with osteoporosis
The Very Best: I was born in Paris, the only daughter in a family with three children. My mother worked as a nurse and my father as a lawyer. I grew up in a home that loved Israel and I moved here when I was 18. After a year of preparatory school, I began to study medicine in Jerusalem. Adapting to a new country and missing home was very difficult. I survived thanks to wonderful friends. My greatest challenge in life is not to compromise, to do my best at everything: To be a mother and a doctor, to continue my doctoral studies despite a difficult divorce and to set an example for my children.
“The biggest challenge in my life is not to compromise, to do my best at everything with no fear!”
A Link to Life: Women who suffer from osteoporosis are treated with drugs from the bisphosphonates family, which may affect cancer processes, the development of metastases and even the likelihood of death. In the event that a connection between these medications and breast cancer is identified, there will be a greater chance of helping people with the diseases, limiting complications and even extending life.
Never Fear: At this stage in my life, I am happy with who I am: An endocrinologist at Ichilov Hospital/Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, a researcher and a mother. Never stop – keep going and don’t be afraid!
Vanessa is a PhD student at the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine at the School of Public Health in the Sackler Faculty of Medicine.
