Scientific Areas of Expertise: Epidemiology of Cancer, Health Disparities, Medical Oncology
For significant contributions to the fields of cancer prevention, early detection, diet and nutrition, cancer health disparities, tobacco cessation, and whole-patient care; and for his contributions to the promotion of appropriate screening efforts for malignancies such as breast, colon, and prostate cancer.
A globally recognized leader in cancer control, Dr. Brawley’s scholarship has transformed the way the field approaches prevention, screening, and equity. Trained as a clinical oncologist and population scientist, he brought rigorous outcomes to contentious areas of early detection, with his insistence that programs be judged by mortality reduction and net benefit, not detection counts. His analyses clarified the trade-offs of prostate specific antigen testing and mammography, advanced risk-stratified screening over a one-size-fits-all approach, and normalized informed decision-making. He has worked to dismantle barriers to high quality care for underserved communities, demonstrating that racial and socioeconomic gaps in cancer outcomes are driven largely by inequities in access, not biology. During his tenure as Chief Medical and Scientific Officer of the American Cancer Society, Dr. Brawley translated this evidence base into transparent guideline processes that elevated prevention, clarified u
Dr. Brawley continues to lead with vision and purpose, integrating epidemiology, clinical practice, and community outreach to advance cancer prevention and control. He spearheads statewide initiatives to expand access to proven, life saving screening programs, such as colorectal and lung, while reducing the overuse of low value interventions. His work emphasizes prevention as the cornerstone of health policy, grounded in clear, evidence based communication about risks and benefits. Through his research, policy leadership, and unwavering dedication to equity, Dr. Brawley has redefined what it means to practice medicine with both scientific rigor and moral clarity, inspiring a generation of clinicians, researchers, and advocates to build a smarter, fairer, and more humane future in cancer care. Ultimately, Dr Brawley’s lifelong commitment to cancer health disparities research has had far-reaching impacts on improving care for patients in every community and his emphasis on access to healthcare and early detect
Selected Awards and Honors
2022 Joseph Simone Quality Care Award, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Alexandria, Virginia
2021 Simon M. Shubitz Cancer Prize and Lectureship, The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois
2019 Distinguished Service Award, American Medical Association, American Association for Cancer Research, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2018 Martin D. Abeloff Award for Excellence in Public Health and Cancer Control, Maryland State Council of Cancer Control, Baltimore, Maryland
2015 Elected Member, National Academy of Medicine, Washington, DC
2015 Master, American College of Physicians, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2012 Elected Fellow, American College of Epidemiology, Raleigh, North Carolina
2011 Elected Fellow, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Alexandria, Virginia
2009 AACR-Minorities in Cancer Research Jane Cooke Wright Lecture, American Association for Cancer Research, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2006 U.S. Public Health Service Crisis Response Service Award, United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Bethesda, Maryland
2006 U.S. Public Health Service Distinguish Service Commendation, United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Bethesda, Maryland
2001 National Cancer Institute Certificate of Recognition, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
1993 U.S. Public Health Service Commendation, United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Bethesda, Maryland
[Institutional affiliations listed for Fellows reflect those held at the time of their induction into the AACR Academy.]