AACR Annual Meeting 2027
We look forward to welcoming patient advocates to the AACR Annual Meeting 2027, April 2-7, 2027 in Orlando, Florida 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.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to patient advocates Medha Deoras-Sutliff, Executive Director of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliances and Annette Bakker, Chief Executive Officer at the Children’s Tumor Foundation for their invaluable contributions as members of the AACR Annual Meeting 2027 Program Committee.
AACR Annual Meeting 2027Patient Advocate Programs, Events, & Awards
Reduced Registration Rates for Patient Advocates
AACR offers discounted registration rates for patient advocates in recognition of the essential perspective they bring to the scientific discussion and the invaluable role they play in advancing cancer research. This reduced registration category is reserved exclusively for patient advocates and is not intended for industry or medical professionals, including nurses, physicians, physician assistants, social workers, patient navigators, or counselors.
All advocates who are not AACR members must submit a Patient Advocate Verification Form.
Patient Advocate Registration Scholarships are also available in limited numbers to help offset the cost of attending. An application is required, and scholarships are awarded based on availability.
Learn MoreAACR Scientist↔Survivor Program®
Building Bridges for Progress Against Cancer
Founded in 1998, the AACR Scientist↔Survivor Program® (SSP) is a unique international educational program that provides cancer survivors, patient advocates, and scientists with an opportunity to share perspectives and discuss opportunities in cancer research, regulatory science, and health policy. Led by co-founder and program chair Anna Barker, PhD, FAACR, of the Ellison Medical Institute the curriculum is designed to build enduring partnerships among leaders in the scientific, cancer survivor, and patient advocacy communities.
The five-day program runs in conjunction with the AACR Annual Meetings providing participants the opportunity to attend scientific sessions, present posters in the exhibit hall, and network with leading cancer researchers.
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 29 patient advocates have been recognized with this prestigious award, including patient advocate Jill Feldman, who was honored at the AACR Annual Meeting 2026.
We look forward to announcing the 2027 patient advocate awardee soon!
Learn MorePatient Advocate Partners Pavilion and Lounge
The Patient Advocate Pavilion proudly provides complimentary exhibit space for 30 patient advocacy organizations, creating a vibrant and welcoming hub where advocates and Annual Meeting attendees can connect, collaborate, and share their work.
All patient advocates attending the AACR Annual Meeting are invited to gather in the Pavilion’s central lounge area, a dedicated space to meet colleagues, spark new partnerships, and take a well-deserved moment to rest and recharge amid the excitement of the meeting.
Special thanks to Pfizer for their generous support of the Patient Advocate Partners Pavilion.
Patient Advocate Abstracts
Patient advocates are invited to submit abstracts featuring studies led or co-led by patient advocates in collaboration with cancer researchers, highlighting the power of meaningful partnership in advancing cancer science. Details on abstract submissions for the AACR Annual Meeting 2027 will be announced soon.
Patient Advocate Reception Dinner
Saturday, April 3, 2027
The Patient Advocate Reception and Dinner are special events for patient advocates attending the AACR Annual Meeting to celebrate, connect, and learn about the latest advances in cancer research. We welcome this opportunity to honor the strength and commitment of the advocate community to improving the lives of all patients with cancer and celebrate the progress that we are making together.
This event is by invitation only. Please reach out to [email protected] for more information.
Patient Advocate Partnership & Engagement Sessions
This list is in development and will be updated weekly.
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.
