Advancing Progress Against Cancer Together

As the director of a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, I am deeply committed to the goals of the National Cancer Plan – a bold framework to dramatically reduce cancer mortality and enhance the lives of those affected by this disease. Designed to support the aims of the Cancer Moonshot, the plan outlines eight strategic goals that span prevention, research, equitable care and collaboration. It builds on decades of progress in cancer research and treatment, fueled by a national commitment to ending cancer. By focusing on prevention, research and collaboration across all sectors of society, the plan calls on governments, organizations and individuals to work together to end cancer as we know it.

Preventing Cancer

At The University of Kansas Cancer Center, we are actively working to reduce cancer risk through our partnership with Swope Health Center and innovative tobacco cessation research. Despite smoking fewer cigarettes and starting later, African Americans face higher rates of tobacco-related diseases and have lower success rates in quitting compared to white smokers. By collaborating with Swope Health Center and engaging a diverse community advisory board, we are addressing these disparities with tailored cessation strategies aimed at reducing tobacco-related health inequities.

Detecting Cancers Early

Early detection is key to effective cancer treatment, and our center is at the forefront of developing groundbreaking diagnostic tools. Lung cancer, which accounts for nearly 20% of all cancer deaths, is often diagnosed in its later stages, making successful treatment more challenging. While CT scans are effective, they are underutilized due to barriers like cost and patient reluctance.

To address these challenges, our researchers have developed a revolutionary blood test – or "liquid biopsy" – that detects lung cancer at its earliest stages by identifying specific protease enzyme activities in blood serum. This test boasts a 90% accuracy rate for both small and nonsmall cell lung cancers, including early-stage cases. The technology is also being explored for other cancers, such as ovarian, pancreatic and breast, with the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce late-stage diagnoses.

Every individual affected by cancer should have the opportunity to participate in research, and our Patient and Investigator Voices Organizing Together (PIVOT) initiative is paving the way. As one of the few patient research advocacy programs in the country, PIVOT connects cancer survivors, co-survivors and researchers to design studies that are patient-centered and impactful. By directly involving patients in the research process, PIVOT helps eliminate barriers to clinical trial participation and ensures that studies reflect the needs of diverse populations.

Maximizing Data Utility

The secure sharing of privacy-protected health data is essential for rapid progress against cancer. Our OPTIK platform integrates data from cancer registries, health departments and other sources, providing researchers with comprehensive insights into cancer trends across our catchment area, which includes western Missouri and the entire state of Kansas. This data-driven approach enables us to identify disparities, target interventions and accelerate research – all in alignment with the National Cancer Plan’s goal of leveraging data to drive progress.

Together, through initiatives like these and the collaborative spirit of the National Cancer Plan, we can move closer to a future free of cancer.