Hear from Dr. Debra Patt, the author of a study which detected a substantial decrease (among American seniors) in cancer screenings, visits, therapy, and surgeries.
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One serious, unwanted side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic is the potential for substantial consequences for cancer outcomes due to delayed access to cancer diagnosis and treatment. Hear from Dr. Debra Patt, the author of a study which detected a substantial decrease (among American seniors) in cancer screenings, visits, therapy, and surgeries. The study concluded that—if left unaddressed—these decreases and delays in identifying new cancers and in treatment delivery would increase cancer morbidity and mortality for years to come.
Debra Patt, MD, PhD, MBA, FASCO
Executive Vice President, Public Policy and Strategic Initiatives
Texas Oncology;
President, Texas Society of Clinical Oncology
“It's been a hard year and half for cancer specialists. Not only have we had to manage new changes with CDC guidelines and social distancing, and for many of us, that means we've told patients they have cancer [when they are] alone, told them about their treatment and prognosis alone. We’ve dealt with a lot of anxiety and depression. One thing we need to take with us is that cancer care is a team sport. We need to make sure we are working together with our teams to deliver the right care at the right time for the patients we serve.”
Dr. Debra Patt will be the keynote speaker at the ACCC 38th [Virtual] National Oncology Conference, November 9-10, 2021. View the agenda and registration details.
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s)/faculty member(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer(s) or the Association of Cancer Care Centers.
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At the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, the Louisiana Oncology Society received the ASCO Jeffrey C Ward Affiliate Advocacy Award for advancing critical advocacy priorities that have translated into meaningful legislative victories. The Iowa Oncology Society and Washington State Medical Oncology Society were also recognized for their advocacy efforts in 2025 at the meeting, receiving second place awards.
