American Cancer Society Scientists to Present Cancer Research Advancements at 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting

ATLANTA, May 28, 2025 - American Cancer Society (ACS) scientists are presenting research studies at this year's annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The conference is the world's largest clinical and translational cancer research meeting, where the brightest in the cancer community gather to share medical breakthroughs that could eventually become the standard of care for millions. This year's conference will attract an estimated 40,000 oncology professionals and feature more than 3,400 abstracts and 200 sessions. The meeting theme is "The Science and Practice of Translation: Improving Cancer Outcomes Worldwide."

Below are titles/links for highlighted oral research presentations, posters, and educational sessions, including ACS experts:

ASCO Abstract #11064/Poster Bd. #47
June 1, 2026
First Author:Kewei Sylvia Shi, MPH
Presenter: Dr. Robin Yabroff

In this study, local and state paid sick leave mandates were associated with earlier treatment initiation among working-age patients with early-stage breast cancer, especially in areas with low female unemployment rates. Findings suggest that paid sick leave policies play an important role in timely cancer treatment for employed women who may not have paid sick leave through their jobs.

ASCO Abstract #11050/Poster Bd. 33
June 1, 2026
Lead Author/Presenter: Dr. Xin Hu, ACS Visiting Scientist
Senior Author:Dr. Robin Yabroff

In this study, Medicare Advantage enrollment is associated with palliative care utilization primarily through differences in oncologists' network composition. Persistent differences in systemic therapy and hospice enrollment suggest that Medicare Advantage plan-level features beyond provider networks (e.g., prior authorization, hospice carve-out) and patient characteristics influence these outcomes.

Education Session
June 1, 2026, 4:45 pm, CT
Session Title: The Exposome, Cancer Risk, and Cancer Care: Understanding the Environmental Impact on Malignancy
Presenter: Dr. Leticia Nogueira

Dr. Nogueira to discuss how climate change alters the frequency and behavior of extreme weather events, making it harder for communities to prepare for and respond to increasingly unpredictable circumstances and disrupting access to life-saving cancer care. Also in her presentation: How the physical, psychological, and socioeconomic consequences of cancer and its treatment increase vulnerability to climate hazards, and how climate change increases exposure to pollutants, including carcinogens, produced through activities that are both major drivers of climate change and established contributors to cancer risk.

ASCO Abstract #e22515
Virtual Publication
First Author: Dr. Sarah Temkin
Senior Author:Dr. Laura Makaroff

This abstract shows that ACS CancerRisk360 demonstrates the feasibility and impact of a large-scale, direct-to-consumer digital platform for delivering personalized, evidence-based cancer risk-reduction guidance. High completion rates, sustained engagement with personalized outputs, and positive user feedback suggest the tool effectively supports awareness of cancer risk, screening needs, implications of family history, and modifiable lifestyle behaviors. Future development will focus on enhancing personalization, leveraging emerging scientific evidence, and expanding dissemination to reach more diverse populations and underserved communities.

ASCO Abstract #e22531
Virtual Publication
Senior Author:Dr. Rebecca Landy

This study demonstrates the importance of considering vaccination status when evaluating the population-level impact of cervical screening uptake on cervical cancer risk. Efforts to reduce the burden of cervical cancer should continue to include both vaccination and screening. Including vaccination status in national surveillance datasets would help identify and target interventions within communities at higher risk.

For more information about this research and to set up interviews, contact [email protected].

Follow ASC researchers at the meeting on X at: @AmericanCancer @ACSNews.

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About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 110 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support. We are committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345. Connect with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.