Cancer Nation Policy Roundtable
Fall 2026
November 19, 2026 | 8:30 AM ET – 3:00 PM ET
Marriott Marquis – Washington, DC
From the Fall 2025 Roundtable — Left: Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD; Center: Nikki Hayes, Ellen Lukens, and Kalah Auchincloss discuss federal cuts with CEO Shelley Fuld Nasso; Right: Head-and-neck cancer survivor Tom Warren shares his perspective. (Photos by Leslie Kossoff/LK Photos)
For 27 years, the Cancer Nation Policy Roundtable has convened survivors, advocates, policymakers, and leaders in cancer care to discuss policies that affect access, affordability, quality, and innovation. The conversations ensure the experiences of people living with, through, and beyond cancer are central to shaping better cancer care.
This November, we are excited to host another series of discussions about pressing issues in cancer policy.
What to expect at the Fall 2026 Cancer Nation Policy Roundtable:
- NCI Director Dr. Anthony Letai in conversation with Dr. Otis Brawley on the status of the institute and what lies ahead.
- A panel discussion about the midterm election results and what they mean for the future of health policy.
- We present the findings from our recent survey of clinicians, with commentary from a panel of experts.
- A presentation from Dr. Ezekiel J. Emanuel, “Artificial Intelligence: Is it Time for Regulation and Certification?”
Speaker Biographies
Otis Brawley, MD
Bloomberg Distinguished Professor, Johns Hopkins University
Board Member, Cancer Nation
Otis W. Brawley, MD is a globally recognized expert in cancer prevention and control. He has worked to reduce over-screening of medical conditions, which has revolutionized patient treatment by increasing quality of life and reducing health disparities.
Dr. Brawley’s research focuses on developing cancer screening strategies and ensuring their effectiveness. He has championed efforts to decrease smoking and implement other lifestyle risk reduction programs, as well as to provide critical support to cancer patients and concentrate cancer control efforts in areas where they could be most effective. Dr. Brawley currently leads a broad interdisciplinary research effort on cancer health disparities at the Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, striving to close racial, economic, and social disparities in the prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer in the United States and worldwide. He also directs community outreach programs for underserved populations throughout Maryland.
Dr. Brawley joined Johns Hopkins University as a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor in 2019 from the American Cancer Society and Emory University.
Shelley Fuld Nasso, MPP
Chief Executive Officer
Cancer Nation
Shelley Fuld Nasso, MPP, is CEO of Cancer Nation—the voice of the 18 million Americans living with, through, and beyond cancer. Under her leadership, Cancer Nation (formerly the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship) pushes for bold policy change to ensure every survivor has the right to not just survive—but thrive. From Capitol Hill to cancer centers, Shelley elevates survivor voices and demands care that actually works for the people living it.
A defining part of her work is helping survivors and caregivers find their voice in the democratic process—whether it’s their first visit to Capitol Hill or telling their story to someone in power. Through advocacy training and deep community-building, she empowers people to speak out, be heard, and help shape the policies that shape their lives.
Before joining Cancer Nation in 2013, she led public policy initiatives at Susan G. Komen. She holds degrees from Rice University and the Harvard Kennedy School. Shelley’s advocacy is deeply personal—rooted in love for her friend Dr. Brent Whitworth, a compassionate physician who died of cancer at 43, and in solidarity with countless others in her life affected by cancer.
She lives in Maryland with her husband and three sons. When not pushing for a cure for care, she’s likely found on a paddleboard, in a yoga class, or solving a crossword.
Ezekiel J. Emanuel, MD, PhD
Vice Provost for Global Initiatives and the Diane v.S. Levy and Robert M. Levy University Professor
University of Pennsylvania
[Bio]
Dr. Anthony Letai, MD, PhD
National Cancer Institute
[Bio]
Registration Form
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Please contact Nadine Dorvelus at ndorvelus@canceradvocacy.org with any questions you may have.
Cancer Nation Policy Roundtable Fall 2026 Sponsors
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