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Celebrating Leadership in Cancer Care: NCCN's 2026 Awards

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) has marked a significant milestone in its mission to improve access to vital cancer care resources. Recently, at the NCCN Annual Conference 2026 held in Orlando, Florida, the organization honored outstanding leaders whose contributions have been crucial in defining and promoting effective, equitable, and accessible oncology care.

A Year of Achievement

This year’s awards reflect a record of achievements that have led to the expansion of essential cancer care resources. The NCCN, a nonprofit alliance consisting of leading cancer centers, has always been at the forefront of advancing cancer care through collaboration and innovation. According to Dr. Crystal S. Denlinger, the NCCN's CEO, the organization evolves alongside the global oncology community's needs, thanks to the dedication of over 2,000 experts who lend their expertise and leadership.

Honorees from Diverse Institutions

During this year’s conference, several prominent figures from member institutions, other oncology organizations, and the NCCN staff were recognized for their exceptional contributions. The awards presented included:

Outstanding Contribution Awards

These awards went to Timothy Kubal, MD, MBA from the Moffitt Cancer Center, and Tara Sanft, MD from Hartford HealthCare, previously associated with Yale Cancer Center. Both exemplify outstanding service through their commitment to improving cancer care over the past decade. Dr. Kubal has been instrumental in multiple committees and has held leadership positions that have shaped the NCCN's practices. His role as co-chair of the NCCN Best Practices Committee for six years allowed him to significantly impact how outpatient cancer treatments are administered.

Dr. Sanft, on the other hand, has made substantial contributions to the NCCN Guidelines for Cancer Survivorship and the Oncology for Adolescents and Young Adults panel. Her advocacy work on national survivorship standards has been pivotal in promoting quality care in cancer treatment.

Excellence in Participation Awards

Dr. Thomas W. Flaig from the University of Colorado Anschutz Cancer Center and Dr. Gregory J. Riely from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center received recognition for their exemplary leadership in developing evidence-based guidelines. Dr. Flaig has presided over the NCCN Bladder and Penile Cancer Guidelines, ensuring that comprehensive data and diverse perspectives inform care recommendations. Similarly, Dr. Riely's leadership within the Lung Cancer Guidelines panel has been instrumental in fostering consensus for complex treatment plans.

Partners in Care Awards

The NCCN also honored external partners instrumental in fostering global health initiatives. The African Cancer Coalition (ACC), represented by Kunuz Abdella, MD, MSc, and the American Cancer Society (ACS), represented by Anu K. Agrawal, MD, exemplify the collaborative spirit that has allowed for tailored adaptations of NCCN guidelines to fit resource-limited settings like sub-Saharan Africa. These adaptations aim to widen access to high-quality oncology care, which greatly benefits local populations.

Key Contributors Awards

Additionally, four NCCN staff members received the Key Contributor Award for their exceptional dedication throughout the year, showcasing the organization’s commitment to excellence, integrity, and collaboration. The awardees were Rachel Darwin, Deborah Freedman-Cass, Rose Joyce, and Darlene Marina.

Looking Ahead

The NCCN continues to extend its reach, focusing on enhancing patient care, research, and education related to cancer. With its transparent and evidence-based clinical guidelines, the NCCN provides invaluable resources that empower both healthcare providers and patients in navigating cancer treatment options. The organization is determined to make cancer care not only accessible but also equitable for all individuals facing the challenges of cancer.

To learn more about the ongoing work and programs of the NCCN, visit NCCN.org.