Learn more about the work that Minnesota policymakers, healthcare staff, nonprofit organizations, private citizens, and many other stakeholders are doing across the state by reviewing the 2021 Minnesota Cancer Alliance Summit- Eliminating Barriers to Excellent Cancer Care recap.

Cancer Summit 2021 had a specific focus on health equity. Each 2021 session was centered around current research, best practices, and conversations about what is working in each of the following areas: (1) Access to Cancer Care, (2) Removing Barriers, (3) Rural Health, and (4) COVID & Cancer.

Use the links below to view keynote and breakout sessions from Cancer Summit 2021.

All videos can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8383301.

Dr. David Winn
Massey Cancer Center VCU Richmond VA

Session Objectives: Identify current barriers to cancer care for people of color; Review best practices for reducing current barriers with community input; Examine and learn from programs that are working to increase access.

Dr. Chris Pennell, Ph.D
Masonic Cancer Center

Session Objective: Identify barriers and methods to hire a diverse medical work force.

Dr. Helen Parsons, Ph.D
UMN School of Public Health

Session Objective: Identify rural barriers that impact cancer treatment and care.

Emily Myatt
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

Session Objective: Discuss four current health policies at the state level that need to be changed to reduce disparities in cancer outcomes.

Shonta Chambers MSW
Patient Advocate Foundation

Session Objectives: Understand the health equity issues outside a cancer clinic that affect patient outcomes; Examine how healthcare providers and public health practitioners can improve outcomes by considering what happens beyond the walls of a cancer clinic; Identify ways to make effective change for patients.

Dr. Yan Ji
Dr. Arek Dudek
Dr. Daniel Anderson
Regions Cancer Center

Session Objective: Review current progress to increase understanding in diverse communities of clinical trials and the ability to take advantage of them.

Deborah Day Laxson
Health Care Agent Literacy Project

Session Objective: Describe the efforts understand culturally different models of end-of-life planning and the ethical and legal implications.

Kathleen Gavin
Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance

Scott Nelson
Stand Up to Cancer

Session Objective: Review current research on the use of online genetic testing models used to increase access to genetic testing.

Dr. Jennifer Lundblad, Ph.D
Stratis Health

Session Objectives: Understand statewide efforts to increase access through telehealth. Identify issues surrounding the use of telehealth in a clinic setting; Review current thoughts on telehealth best practices.

Michelle Hansen
American Cancer Society

Session Objective: Learn about the use of CQI in three settings to understand missed appointment issues.

Melinda Harrington, BSN, RN
Allina Cancer Institute Buffalo

Amy Renner, RN, OCN
Essentia Clinics and Hospitals Brainerd

Jessica Quinlan Woodward, RN, BSN
Allina Cancer Institute

Session Objective: Examine issues around care coordination and best practices in rural communities.

Pat Tarnowski, PT
Digital and Virtual Care Consultant

Michelle Quast
Minnesota Oncology

Session Objective: Understand the immediate and long-term issues and potential value in telehealth.

Dr. Paul Thurmes
Minnesota Oncology

Session Objective: Review current research on long-term effects of COVID and cancer patients. Identify opportunities to engage with patients to understand COVID effects.

Dr. Anne Blaes
Masonic Cancer Center, Survivorship Program

Session Objective: Understand Co-morbidity issues.

Sarah Manes
Angel Foundation

Lindy Yokanovich, J.D.
Cancer Legal Care

Session Objective: Learn about current legal and financial concerns for cancer patients and programs available to help

Dr. Merryn Jolkovsky
Minnesota Palliative Care Advisory Council

Session Objective: Understand how telehealth is being used for cancer palliative care.