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.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to patient advocates Kristen Dahlgren, CEO and Founder of the Cancer Vaccine Coalition and Anjee Davis, President of Fight Colorectal Cancer for their invaluable contributions as members of the AACR Annual Meeting 2026 Program Committee.
AACR Annual Meeting 2026Patient 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.
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.
AACR received over 400 applications from advocates representing 20 countries for the 2026 program, an inspiring testament to the global commitment to advancing cancer research and advocacy. We invite you to learn more about the exceptional patient advocates selected for the SSP 2026 cohort by visiting their posters on Monday, April 20, from 2:00-5:00 pm on the Exhibit Floor (Sections 5 and 6).
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.
We look forward to announcing the 2026 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.
Pavilion Exhibitors 2026Patient Advocate Abstracts
Patient advocates were 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. We were thrilled by the enthusiasm and quality of the submissions received. Additional details about the 2026 Patient Advocate Posters, including presentation information and featured abstracts, will be shared soon.
Patient Advocate Reception Dinner
Saturday, April 18, 2026 Reception l 6:30 p.m., Dinner l 7:30 p.m.
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.
From Bench to Buzz: Making Your Research Resonate for More Funding and Attention
Saturday, April 18, 2026 8:00-9:30 a.m.
Breakthroughs only change lives if people understand them. Today’s scientists are expected to communicate far beyond academic audiences — to funders, patients, policymakers, and the media. Yet most researchers receive little training in how to translate complex science into messages that resonate outside the lab. This highly interactive session brings together a network journalist-turned-advocate, a patient leader with a penchant for laughs, and a scientist/communications strategist to share practical tools. Speakers and the audience will explore ways to make science understandable and unforgettable, laying out real-world impact, and crafting narratives that attract funding and engage patients and the public. Through real examples, candid discussion, and audience participation, attendees will leave with concrete strategies to leverage tools like AI and turn “Say what?” into “WOW!” Because great science deserves to be heard — and understood.
Patient Advocate Poster Symposium – Community Outreach and Engagement
Sunday, April 19, 2026 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Addressing the complexities of cancer care requires a team approach involving patient advocates, community members, researchers, and medical staff. Patient and community partnerships can improve the acceptance, understanding and ability of the public to work with cancer researchers to ensure research meets the unique needs of patients with cancer and is done with a sense of urgency. This session highlights the powerful intersection of patient and community partnerships in cancer research to improve the lives for all patients.
Special Patient Advocate Session with FDA
Details will be emailed to patient advocates registered for the AACR Annual Meeting 2026.
Special Patient Advocate Session with NCI
Details will be emailed to patient advocates registered for the AACR Annual Meeting 2026.
reducing research friction: How scientists and survivors and accelerate progress
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Description will be added soon!
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.
