​This year's theme? 'Inspiring Science, Fueling Progress, and Revolutionizing Care.'

American Cancer Society scientists are presenting research studies at the annual meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR), April 5 - 10 in San Diego, CA. The meeting is the focal point of the cancer research community, where scientists, clinicians, other health care professionals, survivors, patients, and advocates gather to share the latest advances in cancer science and medicine. This year’s conference theme is “Inspiring Science, Fueling Progress, and Revolutionizing Care.”

ACS members are attending lectures, symposiums, and educational sessions at the meeting. Check out some photos from the event below. 

And, follow the conversation on X with the ACS Research and ACS News accounts. 

ACS AACR members also are presenting important cancer research information and studies including these highlighted abstracts detailed below.

Area deprivation, rurality, healthcare utilization, quality of life, and health status among cancer patients
Presenter: Dr. Hyunjung Lee, April 7
In this study, cancer patients living in deprived or rural areas were less likely to have general doctor or mental health professional visits and more likely to have poor physical health. Community-level intervention to improve social mobility and access to care in deprived or rural areas are required to mitigate disparities in healthcare and health among cancer patients. 

Associations of radiotherapy with the risk of subtype-specific lung cancer among breast cancer survivors in the United States
Presenter: Chenxi Jiang, April 8
Abstract is embargoed until presentation time.   

Loneliness, quality of life, and physical and mental health among cancer patients
Presenter: Dr. Hyunjung Lee, April 8
In this study, lonely patients with cancer were more likely to have poor quality of life, poor mental and physical health, and severe pain and fatigue. These findings underscore the significance of policy and clinical interventions to alleviate negative effect of loneliness on health outcomes among cancer patients.

Developmental and prospective validation of an estrogen receptor positive breast cancer risk model to identify women who could benefit for risk-reducing therapies
Presenter: Dr. Parichoy Pal Choudhury, April 8
Findings suggest that ER-specific risk scores might not offer a substantial advantage compared to overall risk scores to identify women eligible for risk-reducing therapies. Further risk-benefit analyses are needed to quantify the potential gains of predicting ER+ vs overall breast cancer. 

Genetic predisposition to obesity and survival in women with breast cancer
Presenter:  Dr. Clara Bodelon, April 8
Women with breast cancer predisposed to a higher BMI (Body Mass Index) were at increased risk of all-cause mortality. ABMI-related PRS may be a useful tool to identify women with breast cancer in need of additional interventions and/or surveillance.

Factors modifying the association between hormonal contraception and risk of early-onset breast cancer
Presenter: Dr. Lauren Teras, April 8
These data suggest that risks may vary with progestin content and future studies are needed to define formulations that minimize breast cancer risk while still maximizing protection against other female cancers. 

Overview of medical financial hardship following cancer diagnosis
Chairperson/Presenter: Dr. Robin Yabroff, April 8
The Forum will provide information about the definition, types, and prevalence of medical financial hardship following a cancer diagnosis and evidence about its association with adverse patient outcomes, including worse health-related quality of life and symptom severity, disruptions to medical care, and higher mortality risk.

Incidence and trends in subsequent primary lung cancer by sex in the United States
Presenter: Dr. Hyuna Sung, April 9
Abstract is embargoed until presentation time.

Trends in hematological cancer subtype mortality by educational attainment and sex in the United States, 2000-2020
Presenter: Dr. Emily Marlow, April 9
Hematological cancer mortality rates were highest among males and those with least education. In general, mortality rates have declined in recent years for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, myeloma, and leukemia for males and females among all educational attainment groups, while Hodgkin’s lymphoma has shown a slight increasing trend among least educated males and females.

Awards:

Dr. Robin Yabroff, pictured at right, was presented with the Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention (CEBP) Frederick P. Li Impact Award for her research paper entitled, “Medical Care Costs Associated with Cancer Survivorship in the United States.” The award was given during the Reception and Scientific Achievement Awards Recognition Dinner on Saturday, April 6.