#United States #Washington, D.C. #oncology #NCCN #primary care

Enhancing Cancer Care Through Collaboration

The upcoming NCCN Policy Summit, scheduled for May 6, 2024, in Washington, D.C., aims to address the crucial partnership between primary care and oncology providers. This event, organized by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), seeks to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients by emphasizing cooperation between these two essential healthcare sectors.

The Importance of Integrated Care

Currently, many patients face challenges in navigating their care due to fragmented systems between primary care practitioners and oncologists. This summit aims to bring together diverse perspectives, including those of patients, advocates, providers, and payers, to discuss how these groups can work synergistically to enhance cancer prevention, early detection, and overall patient support.

"The best way to 'treat' cancer is to prevent it from occurring in the first place," states Alyssa Schatz, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy for NCCN. She elaborates that early detection and appropriate care based on established guidelines are critical to improving patient outcomes. The summit, featuring various breakout sessions and discussions, will explore practical strategies to strengthen these collaborations.

Notable Speakers

The summit will feature a range of experts who will share their insights on improving coordination between primary care and oncology workplaces. Among the speakers are:

• - David Garcia, PhD, Associate Professor at the University of Arizona, who focuses on health promotion and prevention.
• - Larissa Nekhlyudov, MD, MPH, who practices as a general internist and primary care physician at Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
• - Stephanie Quinn, Senior Vice President with the American Academy of Family Physicians, bringing perspectives from family practice.

These speakers will engage in a collaborative discussion on policies and practices that can bridge the gaps in cancer care.

Summit Location and Format

The event is set to take place at the National Press Club located at 529 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C., with an option for virtual attendance. Starting at 9:25 AM EDT and concluding at 3:00 PM, the day will kick off with a networking breakfast at 8:30 AM, allowing attendees to connect prior to the discussions.

Engaging with Attendees

The summit encourages participation from media and public members interested in the evolving dynamics of cancer treatment. Media representatives seeking registration can connect with Rachel Darwin at [email protected] for complimentary access. The conversation around enhancing cancer treatment through integrated health approaches reflects a significant step toward more cohesive care pathways for patients.

Conclusion

As the healthcare landscape evolves, events like the NCCN Policy Summit highlight the importance of collaborative approaches in cancer care. By fostering discussions among key stakeholders, the summit is poised to establish actionable frameworks that prioritize patient-centered care in the realm of oncology and primary healthcare. For more information and registration details, visit NCCN.org/summits.

This summit not only represents a gathering of like-minded professionals but serves as a platform for innovation in healthcare, aiming for a future where integrated care in oncology becomes the standard, rather than the exception.