Early cancer detection. Since 2004.
Finding cancer earlier.
Changing what’s possible.
Canary Foundation is a nonprofit that funds research into early cancer detection. We bring scientists together to develop the biomarkers and imaging technologies that move the field forward.
Inside our 2025 program highlightsResearch Programs
Our comprehensive research programs target the most challenging cancers through innovative detection methods and precision medicine approaches.
Prostate Cancer Program
Finding potentially lethal prostate cancer early while reducing unnecessary treatments. Two multicenter studies: PATROL (genetic risk cohort) and PASS (active surveillance study).
Explore Prostate Cancer ProgramOvarian Cancer Program
Focused on high-grade serous carcinoma origins in fallopian tubes. BRCA pre-cancer atlas with multi-omics data and STIC registry for early detection breakthroughs.
Explore Ovarian Cancer ProgramUltrasound Imaging Program
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) technology for pancreatic cancer screening. Developing contrast-enhanced imaging with microbubbles and molecular imaging solutions.
Explore Ultrasound Imaging ProgramLiquid Biopsy Center
Breakthrough research in urine, interstitial fluid, and exosome analysis with microneedle patch technology.
Explore Liquid Biopsy CenterMolecular Imaging
Cutting-edge imaging technologies including photoacoustic imaging and microbubble contrast agents.
Explore Molecular ImagingEducation & Training
NCI R25 CREST program, Phillips Postdoc Fellowship, and cancer research education initiatives.
Explore Education & TrainingCyclotron & Radiochemistry
Supports radiotracer research, preclinical studies, and radiation safety education.
Explore Cyclotron & RadiochemistryInterventional Radiology
IRIS center projects including endovascular neuromodulation, stem cell implantation, and pediatric biodegradable stents.
Explore Interventional RadiologyLung Cancer Program
Biomarkers for high-risk never-smokers, national screening trials with MD Anderson, and community outreach programs.
Explore Lung Cancer ProgramOur Mission
Canary is focused on the early detection of solid tumors, emphasizing minimally invasive diagnostic and imaging strategies to identify cancer at curable stages. Our expanded vision includes precision treatment, extending beyond cancer to neurology, cardiology, and autoimmune conditions.
Our anchor institution is the Canary Center at Stanford University, with affiliate relationships around the world including Cambridge University and OHSU in Portland. We support two specialized teams comprised of disease-specific experts from North America: women's health focused on ovarian cancer early detection, and men's program focused on prostate cancer.
Our commitment extends to developing low-cost, accessible tools and addressing health disparities in underserved communities through outreach and partnerships.
Early Detection Focus
We develop breakthrough technologies and biomarkers for detecting cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.
Explore Early Detection ResearchGlobal Collaborations
We foster partnerships with leading institutions worldwide to accelerate discoveries in cancer detection and treatment.
Explore Our Collaborative ApproachAdvanced Imaging
Supporting advanced imaging for two decades, including building a new cancer imaging center at UCSD focused on low-cost ultrasound.
Explore Our Research CentersCanary Center at Stanford
The Canary Center at Stanford is focused on the detection of cancer and other diseases at their earliest stages when treatment is most effective.
Our Approach
Research to discover and implement minimally invasive diagnostic and imaging strategies is complemented by support for innovations in precision treatment.
Faculty and Affiliates are engaged in a variety of research programs and collaborations throughout the Stanford campus and beyond, testing new categories of biomarkers such as exosomes and glycoproteins.
The Center supports infrastructure for developing innovative therapies and applies mathematical models to predict patient outcomes.
Learn About Our CentersAdvanced Biomarkers
Exosomes and glycoproteins research
Precision Medicine
Mathematical models for outcomes
Imaging Innovation
Advanced imaging agents
Education
Next-generation scientists
Global Collaboration
The Center collaborates with other Early Detection programs around the world, sharing samples, technologies, and healthcare expertise.
Sample Sharing
Collaborative research networks
Internship Program
Developing multidisciplinary scientists
Our Journey
From a personal tragedy to groundbreaking research—explore two decades of advancing early cancer detection.
Grace Listwin Misdiagnosed
Don Listwin's mother, Grace Listwin, misdiagnosed with bladder infection
Grace Listwin Dies
Grace Listwin dies of late-stage ovarian cancer due to detection of her cancer at a late stage
First Biomarker Work
Ovarian cancer biomarker work for Dr. Nicole Urban funded by Listwin Family Foundation at the Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center
Center of Excellence Established
Center of Excellence for early cancer detection established by Dr. Lee Hartwell at FHCC focusing on cancer biomarkers
Canary Foundation Formed
Canary Foundation formed by Don Listwin following his mother's death from late-stage ovarian cancer
First Scientific Symposium
First annual Scientific Symposium and pancreatic cancer team formed
Pancreatic Gene Mutations
Discovery of pancreatic cancer gene mutations, advancing understanding of genetic factors
PASS Study Begins
Prostate Active Surveillance Study (PASS) enrolls first patients for low-risk prostate cancer monitoring
HE4 Ovarian Biomarker
HE4 biomarker for ovarian cancer validated, improving early detection capabilities
Canary Center at Stanford
Founded Canary Center at Stanford with Stanford School of Medicine and Stanford Cancer Institute, co-led by Sanjiv Sam Gambhir
Magneto-nano Sensor
Magneto-nano sensor developed to investigate biomarkers
Don Listwin NCI Board
Don Listwin named to National Cancer Institute Board of Scientific Advisors
Gene Fusion Discovery
Gene fusion discovered for ovarian cancer, advancing understanding of tumor biology
Microbubble Imaging
Microbubble imaging research advances pancreatic cancer detection approaches
Spirit of Hope Award
Stanford Cancer Institute awards Spirit of Hope Award recognizing outstanding contributions
Stanford Technology Park
Canary Center moves to Stanford Technology and Innovation Park, doubling laboratory space
Ultrasound Research
Microbubble ultrasound research advances toward prostate cancer trials at Stanford
NCI Award for PASS
National Cancer Institute recognizes PASS study with significant funding award
Canary Quantum Cloud
Launch of Canary Quantum Cloud for machine learning applications in cancer detection
Lung Cancer Biomarker
Discovery of lung cancer biomarker attracts licensing interest from industry partners
BRCA Foundation Partnership
Collaboration with BRCA Foundation launches ovarian cancer prevention initiative
ACED Alliance Launch
Launch of ACED Alliance – The International Alliance for Cancer Early Detection
In Loving Memory
In Loving Memory Sanjiv Sam Gambhir, MD, PhD (November 23, 1962 – July 18, 2020)
PASS Milestone
Milestone enrollment of 2000 men in the Canary Prostate Active Surveillance Study (PASS)
PATROL Launch
Launch of PATROL: Prostate Cancer Screening for People at Genetic Risk for Aggressive Disease
Future Goals
Continuing research in multiomic analysis, point of care ultrasound, and microbubble technology
Advancing early cancer detection through innovative research and collaboration
Leadership Team
Our multidisciplinary team brings together world-class researchers, clinicians, and innovators dedicated to advancing early cancer detection.
Don Listwin
Founder, Chairman & CEO
"After 30 years in the technology industry, I launched Canary Foundation in 2004. I was motivated by a personal experience with cancer."
Former CEO of Sana Security, Openwave, and #2 executive at Cisco Systems. Serves on NCI Board of Scientific Advisors and multiple company boards.
Joseph M. DeSimone, PhD
Current Director
Departments of Radiology, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, and Business. Leading innovative research and strategic direction at Stanford.
Sanjiv Sam Gambhir
Co-Founder (1962-2020)
Pioneer in early detection strategies, co-led Canary Center at Stanford. His legacy continues to inspire our mission.
Core Staff
Heidi Auman
Scientific Program Manager
"I want to help the Canary Foundation succeed at the challenge of aligning different disciplines toward the common goal of early cancer detection."
Former Postdoctoral Research Fellow at NYU School of Medicine. Manages strategic plans, group connectivity, and progress tracking.
Therese Quinlan
Chief Development Officer
"I joined Canary Foundation to match my deep interest and training in high-impact philanthropy with an organization positioned to create a leap in science and technology."
Manages major gift programs and transformational giving efforts. Mills College graduate with extensive philanthropic experience.
Renata Barnes
Donor and Development Services Manager
"I joined the Canary Foundation because I believe that the idea of early detection is the logical approach to solving the problem of cancer that touches all of us."
University of Utah graduate specializing in database systems, event management, and donor relations.
Candy Gularte
Finance and Administrative Manager
"The Mission of Canary is close to my heart after having lost my Dad to lung cancer at an early age."
Ensures effective financial and operational processes. Responsible for fund management and key operational functions.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is integral to the success of our team. They represent a distinguished group of leaders who provide strategic decision-making and thoughtful guidance to ensure that our vision stays on track.
Michael Ball
CEO, Contextual Genomics
Canary Audit Committee
Accomplished B2B software executive with 25+ years international experience. Former CEO of GenoLogics, leading LIMS provider for life sciences organizations.
Specialties: Healthcare, Genomics, B2B Software, SaaS, Life Sciences, Precision Medicine
Kevin Kennedy
President, Senior Managing Director, Blue Ridge Partners
Canary Audit Committee, Chair
"I'm proud to serve as a board member for the Canary Foundation, where I've been able to see firsthand the innovation that the Foundation and Canary Center at Stanford have brought to the field of early cancer detection."
30+ years executive experience. Former CEO of Avaya, JDS Uniphase, SVP of Cisco Systems. Currently on boards of KLA-Tencor and Digital Realty.
Dale Jantzen
Board Member
20+ years product management and marketing experience in telecommunications. Former President of San Jose Grand Prix. BSEE from University of Saskatchewan.
Former Marketing Director at Develcon Electronics, Alberta Microelectronics Center, and Sci-Tec Instruments. Extensive experience managing large technical teams and multi-million dollar projects.
Hilary Valentine
Board Member
Partner at Black & White Design. Board of Directors of Valentine Family Foundation. Co-Founder of Belize Kids improving lives for children in Belize.
Chair of Room to Read Emeritus Board after serving 2003-2012. Helped lead the Board of Directors from 2005 to 2008. B.S. in Psychology from St. Lawrence University.
Scientific Advisory Board
Zhenan Bao
Chemical Engineering
James Brooks
Medicine, Oncology
Sylvia Plevritis
Biomedical Data Science
Stephen Quake
Stanford Radiology
Our Community Legacy
Celebrating the dedicated supporters and volunteers who have made breakthrough cancer research possible through years of community engagement and philanthropy.
Past Fundraising Events
Historic fundraising events like the Canary Challenge brought together our community to support early cancer detection research through cycling and community engagement.
Continue the legacy of community support that makes a difference in cancer research
Research Impact
Our breakthrough discoveries are transforming cancer detection and improving patient outcomes worldwide.
PASS Study Shapes National Guidelines
"The PASS study's findings with over 2,400 participants have directly influenced national screening guidelines and risk assessment protocols. Our research is helping doctors make better decisions about prostate cancer screening, ultimately saving lives through earlier detection."
Liquid Biopsy Breakthrough
"Our liquid biopsy center has identified 149 proteins in normal urine samples and developed revolutionary microneedle patch technology for interstitial fluid analysis. This non-invasive approach could revolutionize how we detect cancer in its earliest stages."
Latest News & Updates
Stay informed about our latest research breakthroughs, awards, and developments in early cancer detection.
April Science Meetings
Scientists and institutional leaders gathered at Stanford and UC San Diego to advance early detection, imaging, and translational ultrasound.
Read MorePATROL Study Launch
New prospective cohort study focuses on genetic risk factors and biobanking for prostate cancer.
Read MoreRemembering Sanjiv Sam Gambhir
Honoring the legacy of a pioneering leader in molecular imaging and cancer detection.
Read MoreFollow Canary's Work
Explore published research updates and learn how Canary brings scientists together around early detection.
Research Team Updates
Read public, donor-friendly progress reports from Canary-supported research teams.
View Team UpdatesEarly Detection Conference
Read the latest update from the international Early Detection of Cancer conference.
Read the Conference UpdateSupport Our Research
Join our mission to advance early cancer detection. There are many ways to support our research and make a difference.
Fund Research
Your support accelerates breakthrough discoveries in cancer detection and treatment.
Donate NowJoin Our Team
Explore fellowship opportunities and contribute to cutting-edge cancer research.
Support ResearchPartner With Us
Collaborate with us to advance cancer detection technologies and improve patient outcomes.
Support ResearchCommunity Outreach
We are committed to addressing health disparities and expanding access to early cancer detection in underserved communities.
Community Partnerships
Collaborations with Stanford Cancer Institute's Office of Cancer Health Equity and community organizations like Baywell Health in Oakland, serving the Black community for 50 years with lung cancer screening programs.
Federally Qualified Health Centers
Expanding access through conversations with FQHCs to broaden screening criteria, including 20 years of smoking vs. 20 pack-years, and including never-smokers with family history, especially in Asian populations.
Innovative Access Solutions
Teal Health Partnership
At-home self-collect cervical cancer screening with primary HPV testing, overcoming discomfort and access barriers. Founded by Avnesh Thakor, with Joseph M. DeSimone on Board of Directors.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Developing low-cost, accessible POCUS tools for biomarker confirmation (CA-125 for ovarian, CA-19 for pancreatic cancers) to improve detection in resource-limited settings.
Educational Barriers
Addressing administrative and regulatory hurdles to preventive surgeries, such as fallopian tube removal during non-gynecologic procedures to reduce ovarian cancer risk.
Compassionate Care
Grant projects supporting innovative, early-stage efforts in compassion, justice, and sustainability aligned with our cancer-focused mission.
Financial Transparency
We are committed to transparency and responsible stewardship of every donation. See how your contributions directly support breakthrough cancer research.
Nonprofit Status
Research Impact
2020 Financial Performance
Transparent stewardship of your donations with detailed expense breakdown
In 2020, 91% of total expenses supported scientific programs
Research Excellence
Your donations fund cutting-edge research programs including PASS, PATROL, liquid biopsy development, and breakthrough imaging technologies.
Operational Efficiency
Our low administrative costs ensure maximum impact from every contribution, with minimal overhead and efficient resource allocation.
Questions for Canary?
Contact the foundation about research, giving, or general information.
Contact Canary FoundationAbout our early detection research
What does Canary Foundation do?
Canary Foundation funds research aimed at developing reliable, affordable tests for early cancer detection. Don Listwin founded the nonprofit in 2004 after losing his mother to ovarian cancer. Read about our mission and history.
Which cancers does Canary research?
Canary supports research programs focused on prostate, ovarian, pancreatic, and lung cancer. The programs investigate biomarkers, imaging, and disease-specific approaches to early detection. Explore the cancer research programs.
Where does the research take place?
Canary supports research at the Canary Center at Stanford and Fred Hutch Cancer Center, alongside collaborations with other research institutions. Meet our research centers.
Where can I read research progress reports?
Our team updates share dated reports from the ovarian, prostate, and pancreas research teams. Read them for details about the studies, technologies, and research priorities each team is pursuing. Read the research team updates.