ACS CAN Minnesota 2020 Research and Innovation Forum 

November 19, 2020 11:00am – 12:30pm

Virtual

Register at: https://www.fightcancer.org/events/acs-can-minnesota-2020-research-and-innovation-forum

Download event flyer

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, is the nation’s leading cancer advocacy organization working every day to make cancer issues a top priority. 

 

The ACS CAN Minnesota Research and Innovation Forum is a premiere event that brings together leaders from the business, education, medical, government and research communities to advance the work of ACS CAN. The event not only unites those in Minnesota who are fighting to end cancer, it serves to support ACS CAN and its work. 

The November 19 event will discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted cancer care and research. Nearly one in four cancer patients say the pandemic has made it more difficult to get needed care. COVID- 19 has also impacted cancer prevention, research, and clinical trial participation. What’s more, this pandemic has underscored the health inequities that already exist in health care. Experts from all cancer care perspectives will discuss how COVID-19 has impacted cancer patients and researchers and what must be done to ensure all Minnesotans are accessing the cancer prevention and care they need.

 

Confirmed speakers include: 

•                    • Shaji Kumar, M.D., Professor of Medicine, Consultant, Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic

•                    • Jeffrey Miller, M.D., Deputy Director, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Professor of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation

•                    • Ann Nyakundi, MHA, CEO of United Family Medicine 

 

Key Highlights: 

Screening. 

Screening increases the chances of detecting certain cancers early, when they are most likely to be curable. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has meant delays in preventative cancer screenings. What is being done to address the delays due to COVID-19 and how can we remove screening barriers across all Minnesota communities?

Research. 

Advancements in medical research have unleashed new and improved therapies that are revolutionizing cancer care. How has COVID-19 impacted the research being done by Minnesota companies and institutions? What is being done to make sure the communities disproportionally impacted by cancer and COVID-19 can access research and clinical trials? What’s needed to make sure COVID-19 doesn’t permanently set back research and cancer care? 

Community Driven Solutions. 

Racism is a public health crisis. Many in Minnesota have been doing meaningful work to tackle structural racism in health care, reduce cancer disparities, and advance health equity. What factors have made COVID-19 impact communities of color more than other communities? How can cancer prevention and care advance anti-racist work and support communities of color during the global pandemic?