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Announcement of NCCN Annual Awards in Cancer Care

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), a renowned nonprofit alliance made up of leading cancer centers, has marked a phenomenal year in enhancing cancer care access. At the recent NCCN 2026 Annual Conference held in Orlando, Florida, the organization honored outstanding individuals for their invaluable contributions towards advancing effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care.

NCCN recognized a diverse group of awardees from member institutions, which included oncology organizations and NCCN staff. These individuals have been pivotal in supporting the NCCN mission, ensuring the best possible cancer treatment options are available to patients globally.

Honoring Dedication and Excellence

The awards served as a tribute to those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the cause. Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, CEO of NCCN, addressed the audience, stating, "NCCN continues to evolve to meet the needs of the oncology community worldwide. It is through the work of our more than 2,000 Member Institution experts and our coalition members that we improve cancer care. Each year, we present awards as a way to express our gratitude for their tireless efforts. I couldn't be prouder to recognize the 2026 award recipients."

Outstanding Contributor Awards

NCCN presented the Outstanding Contributor Awards to two eminent figures in cancer care:

• - Timothy Kubal, MD, MBA, from Moffitt Cancer Center and Tara Sanft, MD, formerly with Yale Cancer Center/Smilow Cancer Hospital. These awards acknowledge individuals whose exemplary service has significantly enhanced patient care.

Dr. Kubal has been an active participant across multiple NCCN committees, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to NCCN endeavors over the past decade. His leadership roles include co-chairman of the NCCN Best Practices Committee and leading workgroups dedicated to improving outpatient oncology treatment efficiency.

Dr. Sanft has made notable contributions to the NCCN Guidelines® Panels, notably in survivorship and adolescent oncology. She has contributed to policy advocacy and research efforts that subscribe to best practices in cancer care.

Excellence in Engagement Awards

Two additional awards were presented for Excellence in Engagement:

• - Thomas W. Flaig, MD, from the University of Colorado Anschutz Cancer Center.
• - Gregory J. Riely, MD, PhD, from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. These recognitions highlight their unparalleled leadership in developing evidence-based guidelines and commitment to multidisciplinary care. Both doctors are also engaged in NCCN's global mission, assisting in initiatives aimed at improving cancer care in resource-constrained environments.

Partners in Care Awards

Meanwhile, the Partners in Care Awards were bestowed upon:

• - The African Cancer Coalition (ACC) accepted by Kunuz Abdella, MD, MSc.
• - The American Cancer Society (ACS) represented by Anu K. Agrawal, MD.
• - Dr. Kanan Alshammari, MBChB, who directs the MENA-NCCN Regional Coordinating Center. These organizations have exemplified collaboration with NCCN in broadening access to quality cancer care worldwide. Their joint efforts have resulted in significant adaptations of NCCN Guidelines tailored specifically for different regions, focusing on critical cancer treatment needs.

In addition to the awards, NCCN recognized four exceptional staff members with the Key Contributor Awards for exemplifying the core values of excellence, integrity, collaboration, innovation, and respect.

Conclusion

The 2026 NCCN Annual Conference highlighted the relentless pursuit of improved cancer care and the dedication of individuals working towards this mission. Celebrating these awards, NCCN not only acknowledges their efforts but also rekindles motivation across global cancer care sectors. Each recipient represents a part of a larger movement aimed at providing everyone with high-quality cancer treatment options, ultimately improving patient lives across the globe.

For further details about NCCN and its initiatives, please visit NCCN.org.