AACR Annual Meeting 2026
We look forward to welcoming patient advocates to the AACR Annual Meeting 2026, April 17-22, 2026 in San Diego, California where scientists, clinicians, other healthcare professionals, and patient advocates will gather to share the latest advances in cancer science and medicine. From population science and prevention; to cancer biology, translational, and clinical studies; to survivorship and advocacy; the AACR Annual Meeting highlights the work of the best minds in cancer research from institutions all over the world.
Patient advocates are integral at the AACR Annual Meeting as essential members of the cancer research community, offering insights that reflect the lived experiences of those impacted by cancer. Importantly, advocates bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world impact, ensuring that research outcomes are not only innovative but also aligned with the needs and experiences of patients.
AACR Annual Meeting 2026Programs for Patient Advocates
Reduced Registration Rates for Patient Advocates
AACR Patient Affiliate Advocate members in good standing may register the AACR Annual Meeting 2026 at a discounted rate. Discounted registration rates are also available for nonmember patient advocates. This reduced registration category is reserved exclusively for patient advocates and is not intended for medical professionals, including nurses, physicians, physician assistants, social workers, patient navigators, or counselors. Early Registration Deadline: January 5, 2026
Learn MoreAACR Scientist↔Survivor Program®
Building Bridges for Progress Against Cancer
Celebrating 28 years of building bridges between the patient advocate and scientist communities, the AACR Scientist↔Survivor Program® (SSP) is a unique educational program for cancer survivors, patient advocates, and scientists to share perspectives and discuss the latest findings in cancer research, regulatory science, and health policy. Led by Anna Barker, PhD, FAACR, the curriculum is designed to build enduring partnerships among leaders in the scientific, cancer survivor, and patient advocacy communities. Application Deadline: December 12, 2025
Distinguished Public Service Awards
AACR bestows Distinguished Public Service Awards to deserving individuals whose extraordinary work exemplifies the AACR’s mission to prevent and cure all cancers through research, education, communication, collaboration, science policy, advocacy, and funding for cancer research. Advocate Mary Lasker was honored with one of the first awards in 1967 for her role as a catalyst for the National Cancer Act. Since then, more than 28 patient advocates have been recognized with this prestigious award, including patient advocate Larry Saltzman, who was honored at the AACR Annual Meeting 2025.
Learn MoreAdvocacy Partners Pavilion and Lounge
AACR welcomes patient advocate exhibitors to the AACR Annual Meeting 2026 Advocacy Partners Pavilion. The Pavilion and Lounge enable attendees to connect with advocates leading the fight against cancer. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
Patient Advocate Abstracts
Patient advocates are invited to submit abstracts featuring studies led or co-led by patient advocates and cancer researchers. Regular/First Abstract Submission Deadline: November 18, 2025
Patient Advocate Dinner and REception
The Patient Advocate dinner is a special event for patient advocates attending the AACR Annual Meeting to celebrate, connect, and learn about the latest advances in cancer research. The 2026 program will be shared shortly.
Special Topic Tracks
Science of Survivorship Track includes sessions highlighting new and high-value areas of research to address the array of challenges facing long-term survivors. Sessions invite trans-sector discussion among the survivor and advocacy communities, basic and clinical researchers, industry representatives, health care providers, and government officials.
Regulatory Science and Policy Track includes informative sessions designed to highlight recent regulatory developments and provide an open forum for the consideration of issues that the FDA faces as the agency seeks to accelerate the pace of approval of safe and effective treatments for patients with cancer.
Science and Health Policy Track includes sessions that provide attendees with an opportunity to learn about how policy impacts science and vice versa. Health policy sessions will explore how scientific evidence can inform policy on cancer prevention and control and what impact policies are having on patients and communities.
