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NCCN Summit: Optimizing Cancer Care for Heroes

In early December 2025, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), a prominent alliance consisting of leading cancer care centers, convened a Patient Advocacy Summit focused on addressing the distinctive cancer needs of veterans and first responders. These brave individuals often face increased risks of developing cancer due to their occupational exposures, making this summit not just timely but vital.

The event featured a notable fireside chat with Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD, MS, who is not only a physician but also a veteran of the U.S. Army. This gathering brought together a diverse array of experts, allowing for comprehensive discussions on how firefighters, veterans, and other first responders confront elevated cancer risks in their professions. The participants shared insights on current policies, support programs, and strategies to improve cancer care for these heroes.

Dr. Crystal S. Denlinger, CEO of NCCN, emphasized the commitment to ensuring that individuals with occupational hazards are afforded straightforward access to high-quality cancer prevention and treatment services. Highlighting this commitment, she noted, "Our nation's military, veterans, firefighters, and other first responders risk their lives every day to keep all of us safe. We convened this cancer patient advocacy summit to make sure we are doing right by them in return." This underscores the urgent need for effective healthcare frameworks that can address the unique challenges faced by these groups.

One of the summit's discussions revolved around the risks associated with the protective gear used by firefighters, which has seen little change over decades. Consequently, the participants raised concerns about hazardous exposures to carcinogenic substances during firefighting activities. Dr. Dan Whu, Chief Medical Officer of the International Association of Fire Fighters, highlighted that the firefighter community has been significantly impacted, with a staggering number of those honored at memorial events having succumbed to occupational cancer.

In discussions about veterans, Dr. Brett Sloan from UConn School of Medicine pointed out a disturbing trend: veterans face a significantly higher likelihood of developing advanced melanoma compared to the general population. Factors contributing to this risk include occupational exposure to harmful conditions and inadequate access to protective measures.

Panelists highlighted the concept of ‘presumptive laws’ that are designed to ensure workers in hazardous occupations can secure benefits related to future illnesses without undue burden of proof. However, these laws often vary by state and can potentially exclude crucial groups or job roles, leaving many veterans and first responders at a disadvantage.

According to statistics from the Bureau of Labor, approximately 22% of the 18 million veterans in the U.S. have a service-connected disability recognized by the Veterans Administration (VA) but not all are eligible for timely care. Jim Pantelas, a Vietnam-era veteran and lung cancer survivor, remarked on the challenges in securing benefits and the often-overlooked dangers linked to various occupational exposures, including Agent Orange and other harmful substances.

Discussion of recent legislative efforts, like the PACT Act, aimed at expanding the scope of illnesses linked to military service, signals progress, but there remains much work to be done. Joanna Doran, CEO of Triage Cancer, spoke about existing programs that could assist veterans and responders in navigating the financial and emotional repercussions of a cancer diagnosis. The aim is to ensure these individuals are adequately connected to available resources.

Further insights shared during the summit included ideas on how to improve cancer research and care through collaboration between the VA and community healthcare providers. The emphasis was placed on the need for hypertargeted collaborations that utilize the strengths of the VA in areas of cancer screening and mental health care while ensuring veterans have access to comprehensive treatment.

As discussions progressed, speakers also expressed the importance of clinical trials for various occupations. The sharing of best practices and innovative approaches from existing cancer research initiatives formed the backbone of the summit's agenda. For instance, blueprints for evidence-based cancer care from various organizations were made accessible for consideration.

The NCCN looks to continue these important discussions, with plans for an Oncology Policy Summit series in 2026 focusing on emerging topics such as health literacy, innovations in cancer care, and family-centered approaches. This highlights the organization's steadfast dedication to improving cancer care for all, particularly for those who have dedicated their lives to serving others. For further information and resources, interested parties can visit NCCN.org/summits.

The NCCN stands on the frontline of cancer care advocacy, and through ongoing dialogues and initiatives, aims to develop better pathways for treatment and support for those who have given so much to their communities and the country. As they mark 30 years since their inception, the NCCN remains committed to advancing quality, equitable, and accessible cancer care so that all can lead better lives in health and wellness.