6th Annual National Forum
Join us for TLCI’s free, virtual, Sixth Annual National Friday Forum Series, Sept. 20th – Oct. 25th.
This year we are amplifying our impact with a comprehensive six-part Friday Forum Series in collaboration with the FDA Oncology Center of Excellence’s National Hispanic Family Cancer Awareness Week, September 20-26th.
Explore a comprehensive look at Latino cancers, the new learnings, the continuing challenges and new opportunities to increase awareness and diminish risk. +27 experts from the White House, academia, government, leading cancer organizations such as the ACS, and community agencies like Rise of South San Francisco will join us to spotlight issues such as –
- SDOH – What those 4 letters signify for more precise diagnosis for Latino patients
- Disparities – Trends and challenges, has anything changed?
- Collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates
- Building Latino advocacy leaders – Translating research into actionable strategies
This year’s theme, “Talking about Cancer Won’t Kill Us, the Silence Will,” confronts a common obstacle in Latino communities: the hesitation to discuss the difficult topic of cancer.
With cancer being the leading cause of death among Latinos, accounting for 21% of mortality, this silence can be deadly.
The Latino Cancer Institute (TLCI) recognizes the critical moment we face. While groundbreaking research offers hope, a rise in cancer rates and obesity in Latino communities demands action.
Experts from across the Nation will explore emerging trends and provide insights on improving Latino cancer outcomes.
Line-Up at a Glance
- September 20th – Trends in Cancer We Can’t Afford to Ignore Anymore! (1.5 hrs)
- September 27th – Genetic Findings Driving Blood Cancer in Latinos (1.5 hrs)
- October 4th – One Step Forward, Two Steps Back – Advances and Barriers in Latina Breast Cancer (1.5 hrs)
- October 11th – How Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Health Tech Intersect in Latino Lives (1.5 hrs)
- October 18th – Can the HPV Vaccine Help Conquer Latina Cervical Cancer? (1.5 hrs)
- October 25th – 6th Annual Forum: A National Perspective on the Impact of Cancer Research, Leadership, and Engagement within the Latino Community (3 hrs)
Registration Information – Free
Our Friday Forum Series is in full swing, with over 300 participants already registered. There’s still room for you to join these free, virtual events, which are open to the public and feature live Spanish interpretation—ideal for our diverse healthcare community.
Regarding our Cafecito Cantina offer: The first 250 registrants have claimed the $10 cafecito cards, which will be arriving soon. While this offer has ended, there’s still ample opportunity to engage, learn, and connect.
Don’t miss your chance to hear from top experts, ask questions, and connect with others in the cancer healthcare space. Register today and join us for this informative series!
Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and future opportunities to engage with our community.
Preliminary Agenda
1. September 20th – Trends in Cancer We Can’t Afford to Ignore Anymore!
Respected experts delve into critical research—spotlighting increasing numbers of gastric, liver and colorectal cases, driven by rising levels of obesity in Latinos.
Speakers:
- Maria Constanza Camargo, PhD, MSc, MHA , National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- The Evolving Nature of Gastric Cancer
- David O Garcia, PhD, FACSM, University of Arizona (UArizona)
- Fatty Liver Disease in Hispanic Communities: A Silent Epidemic
- Mariana Stern, PhD, University of Southern California (USC)
- Addressing Colorectal Cancer Disparities Among Latino Populations Through Patient Engagement and Education, ENLACE
- Noe Crespo, PhD, MPH, MS, San Diego State University (SDSU)
- Obesity, Cancer and Health Disparities Research
- Mathieu Luckson, MD, FDA Oncology Center of Excellence
- FDA Launches National Hispanic Family Cancer Awareness Week
2. September 27th – Genetic Findings Driving Blood Cancer in Latinos
We explore groundbreaking research into blood cancer in Latino populations and barriers to the latest life-saving treatments. Hear from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, on their successful on-site and online programs to reach the vulnerable Spanish-speaking Latino population.
Speakers:
- Noah Merin, MD, PhD, Cedars-Sinai
- Raising Awareness of Leukemia in the Latinx Community
- Adam de Smith, PhD, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
- Investigating the Genetic Risk of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Hispanic/Latino Children
- Henry Garcia, EdD, USC Rossier School of Education
- Latino Pediatric Patient/Parent Circumstances Influencing Cancer Care
- Charoh Hernandez Ortiz, National Hispanic Outreach Manager, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)
- Unifying Forces: Bridging Science and Community in the Fight Against Blood Cancer
- Javier Macias, Sr. Manager, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)
- Unifying Forces: Bridging Science and Community in the Fight Against Blood Cancer
3. October 4th, 2024 – One Step Forward, Two Steps Back – Advances and Barriers in Latina Breast Cancer
Join us during Breast Cancer Awareness Month for a crucial discussion on Latina breast cancer care. Explore research progress and disparities in genetic and genomic testing access with leading researchers. Experts examine policy and other solutions removing barriers to a more equitable future.
Our panelists will discuss:
• Current trends in Latina breast cancer
• Disparities in genetic and genomic testing
• Systemic barriers for low-income Latinas
• Policy solutions for equity
Speakers:
- Eliseo Perez Stable, MD, Director, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)
- Trends in Breast Cancer in U.S. Latinas
- Laura Fejerman, PhD, MSc, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Working Towards Equity in Breast Cancer Risk Prediction and Prevention for Hispanic/Latinx Individuals
- Manali Patel, MD, MPH, MS, FASCO, Stanford University School of Medicine
- Addressing Disparities in Genomic Testing for Breast Cancer
- Sarah Shafir, MPH, Vice President, National Roundtables & Coalitions, American Cancer Society (ACS)
- Accelerating Progress Through Equity and Innovation: An Overview of the American Cancer Society’s Strategic Initiatives
4. October 11th – How Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Health Tech Intersect in Latino Lives
Artificial intelligence (AI) is all the buzz! Should we be excited or concerned? AI is more than just a buzzword—it’s rapidly changing the landscape of healthcare. But should we be excited or concerned? Join us as we dive into how AI intersects with Latino health, influencing cancer interventions, diagnosis, and care.
With AI-driven analysis, telemedicine and remote monitoring are set to expand, offering new possibilities and challenges. Discover the story of a low-income community striving to measure in-home air pollution, only to be hindered by limited internet access. You’ll also hear from a patient rights advocate who will voice her concerns about these technological advances.
We’ll also explore the AI Patients’ Rights Initiative, a crucial movement aimed at ensuring ethical and equitable use of AI in healthcare.
Speakers:
- Enrique Velasquez Villarreal, MD, PhD, MPH, MS, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Exploring the Role of AI in Enhancing Cancer Diagnosis and Care for Latino Communities
- Andrea Downing, President & Co-Founder of The Light Collective, Security Researcher, BRCA activist and patient advocate
- AI Governance by Patients for Patients
- Luis Belen, CEO, National Health IT Collaborative for the Underserved (NHIT)
- Telehealth – Is It Working for Latinos?
- Julio Garcia, Executive Director, Rise South City, South San Francisco, CA
- Air Quality and Health issues in Communities of Color
5. October 18th – Can the HPV Vaccine Help Conquer Latina Cervical Cancer?
Despite historically lower screening rates and higher mortality, there’s hope on the horizon for U.S. Latinas. With new screening methods like the self-test, and the promise of the long-term effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, there’s a real opportunity to finally conquer cervical cancer among Latina women. Join us to hear from researchers and frontline professionals in cervical cancer care about how these advancements and community-based strategies are improving health outcomes and could reduce health disparities.
Speakers:
- Jane Montealegre, PhD, MSPH, MD Anderson, Houston, TX
- Within Our Reach: Toward the Elimination of Cervical Cancer Among Latinas
- Rolando Herrero, MD, PhD
- Alternative Schedules of HPV Vaccines to Increase Access and Eliminate Cervical Cancer: the NCI-Costa Rica Studies
- Francisco Garcia, MD, MPH, Deputy County Administrator & Chief Medical Officer for Pima County; ACS National Cervical Roundtable Steering Committee (NCCRT) Member
- On the Road to Cervical Cancer Elimination: Are We there Yet?
- Nancy Pena, ACS-LION, ONP-CG, CMI, BS, Founder, Navigator, Navegación de Pacientes Internacionales
- Training Patient Navigators and CHWs in Latin America to Reduce Patients’ Disparities
6. October 25th – 6th Annual Forum: A National Perspective on the Impact of Cancer Research, Leadership, and Engagement within the Latino Community
In the concluding session of our virtual Friday Forum Series, you’ll hear from the Director of the NCI, the Chair of the President’s Cancer Panel and the latest from the All of Us research program.
1st Hour Speakers:
- Ysabel Duron, Executive Director, The Latino Cancer Institute
- Lessons Learned from the Friday Forum Series
- Ask the Director segment with NCI Director Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, MMHC
2nd Hour Speakers:
- Cynthia Mojica, PhD, MPH, Oregon State University
- Latinos, Cancer, and the Critical Impact of Social Determinants of Health
- Barbara Segarra-Vázquez, DHSc, University of Puerto Rico
- Increasing Latino Cancer Patient Advocates through Training
3rd Hour Speakers:
- Elizabeth Jaffee, MD, FAACR, FACP, FAAAS, FAIO, Johns Hopkins University, President’s Cancer Panel
- Initial Assessment of the National Cancer Plan
- Sandra San Miguel, DrPH, MS, NCI Center for Cancer Health Equity
- Advancing Cancer Health Equity through Research, Training and Community Engagement
- Janeth Sanchez, PhD, All of Us Research Program
- Achieving Equity Through All of Us: Engaging the Latino Community for Better Health Outcomes
- Adolph Falcon, MPP, National Alliance of Hispanic Health
- Breaking Stereotypes . . . Community-Driven Efforts Improving the Science Base
