8:30 AM – 8:45 AM
Independence East

Melissa Thomas, PhD, MSPH, MSA, MCHES®, C.CHW, Strategic Director, ACS NBCRT

8:45 AM – 9:15 AM
Independence East

We were proud to celebrate the outstanding leadership and contributions that have shaped the ACS NBCRT at this special recognition ceremony. Together, we honored our outgoing chairs and Steering Committee members, express gratitude for their service, and warmly welcome our new leadership team as they share brief remarks and carry the work forward.

9:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Independence East

This session explored how artificial intelligence is transforming the breast cancer screening landscape—from upstream risk prediction and personalized screening strategies to downstream clinical validation and deployment. Presenters highlighted both the cutting-edge innovations and real-world equity challenges in applying AI to breast cancer care.

Moderator: Amy Patel, MD, Breast Radiologist; Medical Director, Breast Care Center, Liberty Hospital

– “Machine Learning to Personalize Cancer Care” – Adam Yala, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of California, Berkeley & UCSF

– “From Innovation to Impact: Clinical Validation and Equity in AI Deployment” –
Hari Trivedi, MD, Assistant Professor, Radiology and Biomedical Informatics, Emory University

10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Independence East, Lafayette and Farragut

These small-group interactive breakout sessions explored key challenges and system-level gaps across four strategic priority areas. Participants engaged in discussion, reflection, and brainstorming, with guidance from subject matter experts and facilitators. Each session culminated in a shared “big question” to shape future collaborative action.

– Lifestyle Factors that Impact Breast Cancer – Anne Gaglioti, MD, MS, FAAFP, American Cancer Society

– Equity in Implementation: Moving from Strategy to Standards – Rev. Tawana Davis, PhD, Founder, TAD Enterprises

– Reimagining Support: Meeting the Needs of Survivors and Caregivers – Ashley Dedmon, MPH, Living Beyond Breast Cancer

– Engaging Non-Traditional and Community-Based Providers – Laura Fejerman, PhD, MSc, UC Davis & Ysabel Duron, The Latino Cancer Institute

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
Independence East

This panel will explore the rising incidence of breast cancer among individuals under 45 and the unique challenges they face—including delayed diagnosis, lack of risk awareness, fertility concerns, and identity disruption. Panelists will share data, personal and community perspectives, and opportunities for system-level interventions to better support this younger population.

Moderator: Jill Dietz, MD, MHCM, FACS, Professor of Surgery, NYU Langone, The American Society of Breast Surgeons

– Epidemiological Trends and Early Risk Factors in Early-Onset Breast Cancer – Mary Beth Terry, PhD, Professor of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health – Epidemiological trends and early risk factors

– Risk Awareness, Assessment, and Access to Care: Equity Gaps in AYA Populations – Tracy Battaglia, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine and Associate Director, Cancer Care Equity, Yale School of Medicine

– A Patient’s Perspective: Realities, Disparities, and Calls to Action for Younger Survivors – Desirée Walker, Cancer Patient and Research Advocate, Young Survival Coalition

1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
Independence East

This session highlighted the ACS NBCRT’s newly developed Risk Assessment Toolkit—an innovative, digital resource designed to help primary care providers and OB/GYNs implement personalized, risk-based breast cancer screening strategies. Presenters walked through the toolkit’s development, content, clinical application, and future integration opportunities.

Moderator: Stephanie Graff, MD, FACP, FASCO, Director of Breast Oncology, Brown Health Cancer Institute and Associate Director of Global Oncology and Policy for Legorreta Cancer Center at Brown University

– Toolkit overview and implementation context – Amanda Woodworth, MD, FACS, CPE, Keck Medicine of USC

– Toolkit development and evidence base – Aditi Hazra, PhD, MPH, VA Boston Healthcare System; Harvard Medical School

– Case study on toolkit use in diverse populations – Laura Fejerman, PhD, MSc, Co-Director, Women’s Cancer Care and Research Program, UC Davis

3:05 PM – 3:50 PM
Independence East

This session highlighted key findings from the ACS NBCRT Support & Wellness Scoping Review, which mapped existing tools, gaps, and best practices for assessing and addressing the needs of breast cancer patients and their caregivers. Panelists offered perspectives across research, practice, and lived experience, with an emphasis on actionable opportunities to improve holistic support.

Moderator: Melissa Thomas, PhD, MSPH, MSA, MCHES®, C.CHW, Strategic Director, ACS NBCRT

– Session Welcome & Framing Remarks – Tia Newcomer, CEO, CaringBridge

– Perspectives on integrative medicine and gaps in supportive care delivery – Eleanor Walker, MD, Medical Director, Henry Ford Health Center for Integrative Medicine

– Personal perspective on caregiving, unmet needs, and emotional burden – Sam Scott, BS, Student Volunteer

– Community-based support services and best practices for peer navigation – Darcie Wells, MBA, President & CEO, CanCare

4:10 PM – 5:20 PM
Independence East

This armchair discussion between leading experts in navigation provided the opportunity to discuss a brief history, current strategies and specific approaches to elevating sustainable navigation to advance navigation in breast cancer. The need for continued advocacy, leadership, and education in navigation will be explored. Experts shared lessons learned from the leadership, research and practices of navigation and what successful outputs have driven equity thus far. 

Moderator: Dr. Jill Biden, Former First Lady

– Arif Kamal, MD, MBA, MHS, FAAHPM, FASCO, Chief Patient Officer, American Cancer Society

– Tracy Battaglia, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine and Associate Director, Cancer Care Equity, Yale School of Medicine

– Julie McMahon, MPH, Director of Patient Navigation, Susan G. Komen