As part of ACS Cancer Action Network’s on-going commitment to addressing the disparities in health care faced by many cancer patients and survivors, this year’s conference is focused on some of the challenges faced by specific populations of cancer patients including communities of color, older patients, and LGBTQ cancer patients and survivors. 

Our Executive Director, Shikha Jaisighani (second from left) and Sales Manager, Rachel Greider (third from left), attended the event to meet with cancer researchers and thought leaders and to learn how they are addressing health disparities in cancer care.

Through a series of robust panel discussions, the conference highlighted how practitioners, sites of care, and the private sector are rising to the challenge to address many of these disparities, and how public policies can ensure that advances in care improve access and affordability for all communities.

Our Medical Advisor, Brian Englander, MD moderated the panel "Community Specific Challenges" with panelists Susan T. Vadaparampil, MPH, PhD, Associate Center Director of Community Outreach, Engagement, & Equity, Moffitt Cancer Center Thomas A. Aloia, MD, MHCM, FACS, FACHE, Vice President & Director of Oncology, Maternal Health and Perinatal Medicine, Ascension Chyke A. Doubeni, MBBS, MPH, Director, Mayo Clinic Center for Health Equity and Community Engagement Research Francesca M. Gany, MD, MS, Chief, Immigrant Health and Cancer Disparities Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Rachel M. Fournier, MPA, Principal, Foundation Relations, American Cancer Society & Metastatic Breast Cancer Patient