#USA #Orlando #National Comprehensive Cancer Network #NCCN Awards #2026 Cancer Care

NCCN Celebrates Excellence in Cancer Care Leadership

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recently held its annual awards ceremony in Orlando, Florida, honoring exceptional leaders who have significantly contributed to broadening access to essential cancer care resources. This year marks a record-breaking achievement for the NCCN, recognizing individuals whose leadership and commitment have paved new paths for quality, effectiveness, equity, and accessibility in cancer care throughout the past year.

During the NCCN 2026 Annual Conference, award recipients from various member institutions of the NCCN were celebrated for their remarkable accomplishments. As Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, CEO of NCCN, stated, "Each year, we award individuals who have demonstrated leadership, engagement, and unwavering dedication to our mission and work. This recognition allows us to honor the incredible efforts of those who contribute to making our programs possible."

Categories of Awards and Their Recipients

The awards presented this year include:

Best Contributor Award

Timothy Kubal, MD, MBA, Moffitt Cancer Center
Tara Sanft, MD, Hartford HealthCare
This award acknowledges individuals who surpass expectations and provide exemplary service driven by their passion for improving cancer care. Dr. Kubal has made substantial contributions over the last decade to various NCCN committees and initiatives, showcasing a profound level of commitment to the organization's mission. Meanwhile, Dr. Sanft has been recognized for her long-standing role in vital NCCN expert groups focusing on cancer survivorship and has actively contributed to policy and advocacy efforts.

Excellence in Engagement Award

Thomas W. Flaig, MD, University of Colorado Anschutz Cancer Center
Gregory J. Riely, MD, PhD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
This award celebrates guideline expert group members who demonstrate leadership and commitment to developing evidence-based guidelines. Dr. Flaig, who has chaired the NCCN bladder cancer expert panel since 2017, has faced the significant responsibility of reviewing essential new data and FDA approvals. Similarly, Dr. Riely’s leadership in lung cancer guidelines has garnered respect for his in-depth knowledge and ability to achieve consensus among diverse viewpoints.

Partners in Care Award

The African Cancer Coalition (ACC), American Cancer Society (ACS), and Dr. Kanan Alshammari were acknowledged for their pivotal roles in extending NCCN’s impact. The ACC and ACS have collaborated with NCCN since 2017 to improve cancer care access across sub-Saharan Africa, while Dr. Alshammari’s leadership in the MENA-NCCN regional coordination center has significantly contributed to guideline adaptations and regional healthcare improvement.

Key Contributor Awards

In addition to recognized leaders, the NCCN also honored four essential staff members, nominated by their peers for exemplifying the organization’s core values of excellence, integrity, and innovation. These awardees are:
Rachel Darwin, Senior Manager, Public Relations
Deborah Freedman-Cass, PhD, Senior Manager, Clinical Content Operations
Rose Joyce, Senior Project Manager, Continuing Education
* Darlene Marina, Executive Coordinator

Continuing the Mission

The NCCN remains committed to adapting its guidelines to meet the evolving needs of the oncology community worldwide. Along with honoring these remarkable individuals, the NCCN also announced the 2026 Young Investigator Awards and the inaugural cohort of NCCN Advocacy Academy Fellows during the conference.

To learn more about the NCCN and to stay informed about its initiatives, visit NCCN.org. The NCCN will continue to lead efforts in improving cancer care quality and accessibility, and celebrates the incredible work done by its members and partners in these ongoing endeavors.