American Cancer Society

"So what if people say, yes?" I was having a conversation with a colleague about the challenge of enrolling adults with #cancer into clinical trials. We talked at length about critical issues related to trial literacy, trust between investigators and participants, clarity in informed consent, and widening trial eligibility. But then she asked me that critical question. What if people want to, but other financial, social, or logistical barriers get in the way? Who will help navigate that person to finding their way successfully *to and through* a clinical trial? That conversation, and the brilliance of my team in Shanthi Sivendran MD, MSCR, MBA, Bonny Morris, PhD, MSPH, RN, and Pia Banerjee, PhD, have inspired the newest certificate within the American Cancer Society Leadership in Oncology Navigation (LION). The Clinical Trials Navigation Certificate aims to train a whole new cadre of navigators who can speak to the "this is how" in accessing clinical trials. https://lnkd.in/eMwjXp2z

Only 7% of adults with a #cancer diagnosis enroll in a therapeutic clinical trial. And while late-stage clinical trials are about access to innovation, many patients face major barriers with regards to navigating to the right education, resources, and logistics. Like other challenges faced by people with cancer, we at American Cancer Society believe skillful navigation performed by trained and credentialed experts can help people find their way to the right clinical trial. As announced in the latest The White House Biden Moonshot Fact Sheet, we are proud to launch in early 2025 the ACS Leadership in Oncology Navigation (LION) Clinical Trials Navigation Certificate. Building on the momentum of our ACS LION Certificate — which has trained nearly 1,000 navigators across the US — we believe training navigators to address the specific barriers that people face in accessing clinical trials will materially move that 7% number north.

On Nobel Prize Day, we’re honored to have given funding to a total of 53 investigators who went on to win the Nobel Prize, considered the highest accolade any scientist can receive. Three of these accolades were awarded just this year! This is a tribute to the Society’s Research program and the strength of its peer-review process. Learn about our history and our impact in cancer research: https://lnkd.in/gix3K5dX

Congratulations, Dr. Ella Kazerooni! She was surprised with the Volunteer Leadership Award, the highest honor given to just two volunteers who have provided long and distinguished service to ACS at the enterprise-wide level. A thoracic radiologist and the Associate Chair for Clinical Affairs & Director of Cardiothoracic Radiology at the University of Michigan / Michigan Medicine, Dr. Kazerooni is the inaugural chair of the American Cancer Society’s National Lung Cancer Roundtable.

We’re honoring National Oncology Navigator Day today! Oncology patient navigation is essential in healthcare, offering support and advocacy that improves outcomes and reduces health disparities. Navigators guide patients through the overwhelming maze of care, ensuring barriers and access are addressed, especially in underserved communities. Studies show navigation reduces readmissions and improves health, making it not a luxury but a necessity for compassionate, accessible care. Because healthcare isn’t just about treating illness—it’s about treating the whole person. #ACSNNRT #PatientNavigators #NationalOncologyNavigationDay Arif Kamal MD, MBA

Getting regular screenings is essential to finding cancer early and taking control of your health. Dr. Anu Agrawal, our VP of Global Cancer Support, shares why this is important! Learn more during #CancerScreenWeek at https://lnkd.in/gKnp_dY

It’s been one year since National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) launched the #NourishMyHealth campaign, and we’re proud to be part of this effort to promote healthier living through better nutrition. Our pharmacies are helping people every day across communities to live healthier lives. Learn more at NourishMyHealth.org

This #CancerScreenWeek, Arif Kamal MD, MBA is encouraging everyone to join him in reaching out to five loved ones about the importance of getting screened. Learn more about the benefits of regular cancer screening tests and how you can be proactive about your health! #GetScreened 

Every 15 seconds, someone in the US is diagnosed with cancer. Every second matters, and on this #GivingTuesday, every gift matters. Your donation can help the American Cancer Society end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Donate today at cancer.org/givingtuesday #EveryCancerEveryLife

Today, every second matters and every gift matters. A donation of $15 or more can help the American Cancer Society end cancer as we know it, for everyone. https://lnkd.in/e8-c85MD #EveryCancerEveryLife #GivingTuesday