Kentucky Cancer Care Advances Highlighted at 19th Annual Markey Cancer Center Conference
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Bringing the latest breakthroughs in cancer treatment and care to communities across the Commonwealth was the focus of the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network‘s 19th annual Cancer care Conference, held December 11-12, 2025. The event drew hundreds of healthcare professionals dedicated to improving patient outcomes throughout Kentucky.
Expanding access to Cutting-Edge Cancer Care
The two-day conference convened oncologists, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and other vital cancer care providers from community hospitals across Kentucky. Sessions delved into critical areas such as lung cancer screening, palliative care, immunotherapy, and patient navigation – all representing the forefront of modern oncology.
“This conference brings together health care professionals from across Kentucky to learn from one another and share best practices in cancer care,” a senior official stated. “It’s an crucial chance for continuing education and building connections that ultimately benefit patients throughout the Commonwealth.”
The Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network plays a crucial role in extending the reach of the UK Markey Cancer Center, connecting it with 19 community hospitals statewide. This network is designed to deliver specialized cancer expertise and resources directly to patients, enabling them to receive care closer to home while still benefiting from access to Markey’s leading specialists and innovative clinical trials.
Addressing Kentucky’s Unique Cancer landscape
Conference discussions extended beyond treatment modalities to address the specific challenges and trends within Kentucky’s cancer incidence and mortality rates. Presentations analyzed state-level data, providing valuable insights for targeted prevention and intervention strategies. Practical topics were also addressed, including the importance of smoking cessation, the impact of alcohol consumption on cancer risk, and effective methods for increasing community participation in lung cancer screening programs.
Leaders from the Markey Cancer Center, including B. Mark Evers, M.D., director, and Timothy Mullett, M.D., medical director of the Markey Affiliate Network, provided updates on the center’s progress and the network’s expanding capabilities.
Inaugural Lung Cancer Forum and Network Leadership Transition
A key highlight of the conference was the launch of Markey’s inaugural Lung Cancer Forum, a dedicated event for providers and care teams focused on establishing and maintaining high standards of quality in lung cancer care. The conference also served as a platform to recognize Cheri Tolle, the retiring administrative director of the Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network, for her years of dedicated service.
The Markey Cancer Center’s commitment to excellence has been nationally recognized, earning National Cancer Institute designation in 2013 and achieving Complete Cancer Center status in 2022.
Why: The conference aimed to improve cancer care across Kentucky by sharing knowledge and best practices.
Who: The event involved oncologists, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and leaders from the Markey Cancer Center and 19 affiliated community hospitals.
What: The 19th annual Cancer Care Conference focused on advancements in cancer treatment, addressing Kentucky’s specific cancer challenges, and launching a Lung Cancer Forum.
How did it end?: The conference concluded with recognition of Cheri Tolle’s retirement and highlighted the Markey Cancer Center’s continued commitment to excellence, underscored by its NCI designation and Comprehensive
