MCCAN Cancer Care Conference Agenda

Thursday, December 11

12 – 3 p.m.
Registration

1 – 5 p.m. | Open to All Attendees
Beyond the Specialist: Palliative Skills
Palliative care is not just for specialists—it’s a shared approach that can be embedded across all roles in a cancer center. This interactive, interdisciplinary workshop will explore how physicians, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, administrators, and others can integrate primary palliative care skills into everyday oncology practice.
Learn to:

• Recognize the often-unspoken needs of patients with cancer.

• Address physical, emotional, spiritual, and logistical challenges.

• Apply practical tools to improve patient care through a palliative lens.

1 – 5 p.m. | Open to All Attendees
Markey Lung Cancer Forum: Innovation, Integration & Impact
This forum highlights quality standards and best practices in lung cancer care with a focus on early detection, evolving treatment approaches, and emerging research. Designed for primary care providers, nurses, and patient navigation teams.
Key topics include:

• Advances in early detection and screening.

• Biopsy and treatment updates.

• Strengthening collaboration between primary and specialty care.

3 – 4:30 p.m. | Open to All Attendees
MCCAN Annual Quality Workshop
A collaborative space for cancer program leaders to share best practices and innovative program ideas. Learn evidence-based strategies to meet Commission on Cancer (CoC) standards and discover how Kentucky cancer programs are improving care in their communities.

3 – 5 p.m. | Open to All Attendees
Creative Connections: Marketing Strategies Beyond the Basics
Marketing extends beyond the marketing department—it’s about building meaningful connections with patients, families, and communities.
Guest speakers: Millie Smith (Harrison Memorial Hospital) and Gathan Borden, MBA (Tourism Marketer & Creative Strategist)
This workshop will help you:

• Tell your program’s story effectively.

• Use creative strategies with limited resources.

• Evaluate outreach efforts and boost your team’s visibility.

5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Open to All Attendees
Welcome Reception
Join us for an evening of networking, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and drinks.

Friday, December 12

7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Registration & Breakfast | Visit Our Exhibitors

8:30 – 8:45 a.m.
Welcome & Announcements

• Cheri Tolle, MAEd, CHES – Administrative Director, MCCAN, University of Kentucky

• Robert S. DiPaola, MD – Provost/Co-EVPHA, UK HealthCare

8:45 – 9:45 a.m.
Cancer Incidence and Mortality Trends in Kentucky
Eric B. Durbin, DrPH, MS – Director, Kentucky Cancer Registry, University of Kentucky
Learn how cancer incidence is measured, the current burden of cancer in Kentucky, and disparities in incidence and mortality across populations.

9:45 – 10 a.m.
Break | Visit Our Exhibitors

10 – 10:45 a.m.
Concurrent Sessions 1

• Panel: Best Practices in the Delivery of Bi-Specific Therapies – Mechanisms, approved agents, and care coordination strategies.

• Genetics, Genomics, and Multidisciplinary Care – Impact of germline and somatic testing on patient care.

• Quitting Smoking After a Cancer Diagnosis: The Fourth Pillar of Treatment – Navigating stigma and supporting patient-centered cessation.

• A Neglected Risk: Alcohol and Cancer Prevention – Alcohol’s role in cancer risk, public perceptions, and prevention strategies.

10:45 – 11 a.m.
Break | Visit Our Exhibitors

11 – 11:45 a.m.
Concurrent Sessions 2

• ACEs and Oncology Care – Applying trauma-informed practices to support patients with adverse childhood experiences.

• Cancer Burden in Kentucky (2000–2022): Colorectal, Lung, and Breast Cancer Trends – Interpreting long-term outcomes tied to prevention and control.

• Malignant Central Airway Obstruction – Assessment, treatment modalities, and post-procedure care.

• Navigating Patient-Family Challenges in Cancer Care – Improving outcomes through supportive navigation strategies.

11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Lunch & Recognition

• State of Markey Cancer Center – B. Mark Evers, MD, FACS

• State of MCCAN – Timothy Mullett, MD, MBA, FACS

1:15 – 1:30 p.m.
Break | Visit Our Exhibitors

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Engaging Kentucky Communities in Quality Lung Cancer Screening
Speakers: Timothy Mullett, MD, MBA, FACS and Jennifer Knight, DrPH
Strategies for community engagement, health outcomes, and screening impact.

2:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Break | Visit Our Exhibitors

2:45 – 3:45 p.m.
Boarding the Same Boat: Clinician Engagement in Equitable Lung Cancer Screening
Jamie Studts, PhD – University of Colorado Cancer Center
Practical approaches for clinician collaboration to expand equitable, high-quality screening.

3:45 – 4 p.m.
Closing Remarks & Passport Challenge Winner

• Cheri Tolle, MAEd, CHES

• Timothy Mullett, MD, MBA, FACS

4 p.m.
Animal-Assisted Therapy & Safe Travels Home