Born and raised in Sydney, Louise Howard is the director of two companies she founded. Over the past 15 years, both of her parents have faced a total of seven cancer diagnoses, during which time Louise acted as their carer. In 2023, she discovered she carries the BRCA1 gene mutation, significantly increasing her own risk of developing cancer.
Louise has been involved in consumer advocacy for the past two years. These personal experiences have strengthened her commitment to promoting early screening and detection, encouraging open conversations, and supporting proactive health decisions for individuals with genetic mutations that elevate cancer risk. She is also actively engaged with relevant research papers and collaborates with the Inherited Cancers Australia.
This work is deeply important to Louise, as she believes that cancer is a profoundly difficult experience that no one should have to endure. Louise is passionate about sharing her story to support others, particularly those at risk of hereditary cancer, and to help reduce the fear and stigma that often surround it. Her goal is to contribute to a world with fewer cancer occurrences and improved outcomes for everyone affected by a cancer diagnosis.