Building Scalable Systems for a Growing Cancer Population

As the number of patients living with and beyond cancer continues to rise, our ability to deliver timely, high-quality care depends on our willingness to rethink capacity. Designing oncology care to meet the needs of a growing patient population requires intentional, adaptive strategies that strengthen care delivery at scale. No single model will meet the needs of every community, but every program must be prepared to respond to rising demand without compromising quality, equity, or compassion.

Capacity-building begins with examining operational workflows, reducing inefficiencies, and aligning resources to support early diagnosis, treatment initiation, and continuity of care. For many organizations, this includes expanding beyond traditional brick-and-mortar sites through regional partnerships, networked care delivery, and community-based access points. ACCC remains committed to sharing evidence-informed, scalable strategies that help programs expand access while maintaining consistency across settings.

Technology plays a critical role in this future, but only when integrated thoughtfully. Digital tools must function as workforce multipliers—not additional burdens. One promising area is ambient technology, including ambient clinical documentation and voice-enabled tools. In oncology, where visits are complex, emotionally charged, and information-rich, these solutions can significantly reduce documentation burden, enhance data accuracy, and allow clinicians to remain fully present with their patients. When implemented well, ambient technologies enhance clinician well-being, strengthen care coordination, and improve the patient experience.

However, technology's value lies not in adoption alone but in intentional integration. Tools must fit within clinical workflows, support interdisciplinary collaboration, and be implemented with appropriate governance, training, and continuous evaluation. ACCC will continue highlighting practical solutions that strengthen workforce sustainability, improve access, and advance patient outcomes across diverse care environments.

Designing oncology care for the future also requires optimizing oncology service line structures. Fragmented systems create variability in access and outcomes, while integrated service-line models create consistency, quality, and accountability. When leadership, governance, quality metrics, and data infrastructure are aligned across prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life care, patients receive the right care, in the right setting, every time.

The challenges before us are complex, but they are far from insurmountable. Across the ACCC community, innovation and collaboration continue driving progress. By intentionally designing care models that scale, integrating technology that truly supports clinicians, and aligning services across the continuum, we can meet rising patient needs without sacrificing quality or compassion.

Many of these strategies and success stories are highlighted in the 2025 ACCC Impact Report, a resource I encourage every member to explore. Together, we will continue shaping a future where cancer care is accessible, equitable, resilient, and designed to meet the needs of every patient we serve.