Latest news with #PritiBandi
Business Journals
12-05-2025
- Health
- Business Journals
A new era in cancer care: The Bay Area's role in ending cancer for all
Across the Bay Area, momentum is building around a shared vision: ending cancer as we know it. The American Cancer Society (ACS) is privileged to work alongside forward-thinking communities from San Francisco to Silicon Valley to transform this vision into reality. With the landmark 14th annual San Francisco Discovery Gala approaching and unprecedented engagement from local innovation leaders, the opportunity for meaningful collaboration has never been more promising. Cancer doesn't wait. Neither can we. A legacy of Bay Area innovation and impact Since 2011, the San Francisco Discovery Gala has channeled the Bay Area's entrepreneurial spirit into nearly $19 million to support breakthrough research, essential patient services, and effective advocacy. In 2023, it earned recognition as the American Cancer Society's Event of the Year — a testament to the Bay Area's distinctive ability to drive transformative change. This signature event exemplifies what's possible when the region's visionary business leaders and passionate advocates unite for a common purpose. Distinguished past event chairs and sponsors represent many of the Bay Area's most influential employers, whose strategic partnerships continue to fuel ACS's life-saving work both locally and nationally. Our mission: Measurable results ACS stands as the largest private nonprofit funder of cancer research in the United States, with strategic investments exceeding $3.1 billion since 1991. This commitment has helped drive a remarkable 34% reduction in cancer mortality rates and prevented 4.5 million cancer deaths between 1991 and 2021. In 2024 alone, our mission positively impacted over 140.5 million lives through patient support, advocacy, and education.* More than 80 cents of every dollar donated directly supports programs that empower people to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. ACS benefits from the expertise of over 1 million volunteers in communities across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Guam. Their invaluable contributions in 2024 represented more than $522 million in wage replacement value.* expand Cory Goodale Prevention and detection: Progress and opportunity The Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Facts & Figures 2025–2026 report reveals important gains while highlighting critical opportunities. Breast and colorectal cancer screening rates have successfully rebounded post-pandemic, and smoking rates continue their encouraging decline. However, cervical cancer screening remains below optimal levels, and HPV vaccination rates have plateaued. Meanwhile, excess body weight, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption present persistent public health challenges. ACS remains dedicated to expanding access to prevention and early detection tools, with particular focus on historically underserved populations. "We're witnessing meaningful progress," notes Priti Bandi, Ph.D., ACS scientific director, "but now is precisely the time for Bay Area leaders to double down — especially on HPV and cervical cancer prevention." California's strategic imperative California faces one of the nation's most significant cancer challenges: projections indicate over 199,000 new diagnoses in 2025, with an estimated 60,000 cancer-related deaths.* These sobering numbers underscore the urgent need for continued investment and Bay Area leadership in the fight against cancer. Bay Area innovation, national impact Proceeds from the San Francisco Discovery Gala strengthen ACS's robust $400 million research portfolio, including more than 600 active grants nationwide — many based within premier Bay Area research institutions.* ACS-funded researchers are pioneering breakthroughs in treatment, early detection, and survivorship that will fundamentally reshape cancer care for everyone. Our comprehensive services reached 75% of U.S. ZIP codes in 2024, providing critical transportation, lodging, and personalized support.* Our advocacy network extends across every state and territory, ensuring policy solutions that remove barriers to care and strengthen protections for everyone affected by cancer. expand Cory Goodale Strategic partnership opportunities ACS cultivates high-impact collaborations with health systems, nonprofits, and corporate leaders to expand access to cancer care and education. These strategic partnerships are central to our work advancing health equity, prevention, and workforce engagement. In 2024 alone, we responded to more than 26,000 cancer information helpline calls in California, provided over 31,000 transportation services, delivered over 2,500 nights of free lodging, and facilitated direct navigation to care for thousands of residents.* Young leaders addressing urgent trends Cancer rates are increasing among adults under 50, a trend particularly relevant to Bay Area's young professional demographic. According to Cancer Facts & Figures 2025, cancers, including breast and colorectal, are rising among younger adults. This emerging challenge highlights the importance of initiatives like Fork Cancer Bay Area, led by the Associate Board of Ambassadors. This dynamic network of young professionals brings fresh perspective and long-term commitment to our mission, providing Bay Area companies with engagement opportunities for their emerging leaders. Join Bay Area leaders in the fight We invite Bay Area executives to distinguish themselves by joining the exclusive CEOs Against Cancer Bay Area Chapter. This influential network of senior leaders is advancing workplace wellness and community health through direct partnership with ACS. Members commit to building a best-in-class health culture while driving toward specific screening and prevention goals that benefit both their organizations and communities. Membership includes: Two annual high-level chapter meetings with fellow Bay Area executives An appointed executive liaison to seamlessly integrate wellness initiatives enterprise-wide Turnkey engagement toolkits and communications support to maximize impact Access to exclusive networking and community events with the region's most influential leaders With 83% of employers listing cancer among their top three health care cost drivers — and 74% of patients missing work, often four weeks or more — a healthier workforce isn't just a mission priority.* It's a compelling business imperative for Bay Area companies focused on talent retention and productivity. Lead the way forward The 2025 San Francisco Discovery Gala, taking place Sept. 27 at Chase Center, represents more than a premier social event — it's the cornerstone of a year-round movement. Strategic sponsorship connects your brand to measurable impact-driven outcomes and aligns your business with one of the most trusted and influential cancer-fighting organizations in the world. Together, the Bay Area's most innovative companies and visionary leaders can shape a future where fewer lives are lost and every person has the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life. Explore our comprehensive corporate partnership opportunities at or contact Leslie Irwin at to discuss a customized engagement strategy. To secure your place among Bay Area leaders at the San Francisco Discovery Gala, visit or reach out to Leah Malfatti at *According to American Cancer Society
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Americans take one step forward, one step back for cancer prevention
First, the good news: The overall cancer death rate has been on a steady decline—as have smoking rates, with only 11% of Americans now smoking cigarettes. As a result, cancers associated with tobacco smoking have fallen. Also, breast and colorectal cancer screening rates rebounded after decreasing or stalling during the pandemic. But there's bad news, too: Up-to-date screenings for cervical cancer are low, remaining below pre-pandemic levels and continuing what's been a decline since the early 2000s. Meanwhile, rates of HPV vaccinations—highly effective against most cases of cervical cancer—have flattened. Such was this week's mixed cancer and cancer-prevention report from both the American Cancer Society and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) annual report on the status of cancer. 'Cancer prevention and early detection are central to the American Cancer Society's goal to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer,' Dr. Priti Bandi, a scientific director at the American Cancer Society and lead author of its new study, published in the the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. 'These latest findings are encouraging, mainly the reduction in smoking rates and screening for certain cancers, but it's clear urgent efforts are needed to address lagging cervical cancer prevention.' The ACS news came right after that of the NIH, which reported on Monday in the journal Cancer that overall death rates from cancer declined steadily among both men and women from 2001 through 2022, even during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among men, it found, overall cancer incidence (rate of new cancer diagnosis) decreased from 2001 through 2013 and then stabilized through 2021. Among women, overall cancer incidence increased slightly every year from 2003 through 2021, except for 2020. An estimated 40% of cancer cases in the U.S. can be attributed to modifiable risk factors, the ACS noted, including cigarette smoking, excess body weight, dietary factors, physical inactivity, ultraviolet radiation exposure, and cancer-causing infections, including HPV. Cancer screening tests can also prevent thousands of additional cancer cases and deaths, the study highlighted. Highlights of the ACS report regarding cancer risks and screenings include: Cigarette smoking declined from 14% in 2022 to 11% in 2023—but high smoking prevalence remains in American Indian/Alaska Native individuals, Black males, people with lower education, and bisexual females. Up-to-date cervical cancer screening in 2021 was at 73%, remaining below pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, up-to-date breast cancer screening and colorectal screening rebounded and exceeded pre-pandemic levels in 2023 after declining and stalling, respectively, during the pandemic. After a trend of increasing, up-to-date HPV vaccination prevalence in adolescents 13-17 years of age remained flat between 2021 and 2023 (61%), largely due to pandemic-related disruptions. Persistent, high-risk HPV infection causes almost all cervical and anal cancers and 64% to 75% of vaginal cancers. Less than half of adults (48%) met recommended physical activity levels, and an estimated one-third (27%) reported no leisure-time physical activity in 2022—remaining unchanged from 2020. 'Our report underscores the need to strengthen efforts to improve access and receipt of preventive services, including cancer screening, HPV vaccination, and counseling and treatment for tobacco dependence,' said Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, a senior vice president at the American Cancer Society and senior author of the report. 'We must also work to identify individuals of racially/ethnically diverse groups and socioeconomic positions who continue to be greatly affected by cancer to accelerate progress against the disease.' Added Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, 'These findings only further prove how investments in tobacco control have helped reduce the number of people falling prey to Big Tobacco's deadly products and practices.' That control was largely thanks to federal agencies, she stressed, which is why recent government cuts to such agencies has the ACS 'deeply concerned' that they will 'jeopardize continued progress to reduce tobacco utilization nationwide.' More on cancer: Childhood exposure to this bacteria could be driving rates of colorectal cancer in millennials and Gen Xers, new study warns The truth about CT scans: The common health check could drive 103,000 cancer cases, research warns Cancer deaths are down, but rates in women under 50 are rising This story was originally featured on
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cancer prevention not fully recovered from pandemic era declines, study says
The effects of COVID-19 continue to reverberate in the cancer risk factors of Americans, a new American Cancer Society study says. Screening for breast and colon cancers has rebounded after decreasing or stalling during pandemic-era lockdowns, researchers reported Wednesday in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. And, despite the pandemic, smoking rates have continued to go down, researchers said. However, cervical cancer screening remains lower than pre-pandemic levels, and the HPV vaccination rate has not increased since the pandemic, researchers found. Other major cancer risk factors like excess weight, physical inactivity and heavy alcohol use did not budge during the pandemic, marking a lack of progress, the study said. "Cancer prevention and early detection are central to the American Cancer Society's goal to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer," lead researcher Dr. Priti Bandi, scientific director of cancer risk factors and screening surveillance research at the ACS, said in a news release. "These latest findings are encouraging, mainly the reduction in smoking rates and screening for certain cancers, but it's clear urgent efforts are needed to address lagging cervical cancer prevention," Bandi added. An estimated 40% of U.S. cancer cases are attributable to risk factors that people can change, researchers said. These factors include smoking, excess weight, diet, exercise, exposure to ultraviolet radiation and infection with seven cancer-causing germs like HPV. Cancer screening tests prevent thousands of cases and deaths every year, by detecting cancers in people with risk factors, researchers said. For this new study, researchers analyzed data from four federal health surveys that track different cancer risk factors. Results showed that: Cigarette smoking declined to 11% in 2023, but menthol cigarettes and flavored tobacco products continued to make tobacco use more appealing to young people, Black individuals and bisexual folks. Breast cancer screening exceeded pre-pandemic levels, with 80% of eligible women undergoing the procedure after a decline during the pandemic. Colon cancer screening also increased in 2023, with 60% of eligible people being screened, including 54% undergoing colonoscopy and 11% stool testing. Cervical cancer screening remained below pre-pandemic levels at 73%, continuing a decline dating to the early 2000s. HPV vaccination rates among teens 13 to 17 years of age remained flat between 2021 and 2023 at 61%, reflecting pandemic-era disruptions. Excess body weight in adults remains high, with 40% obese and 32% overweight. Less than half of adults (48%) meet recommended physical activity levels, and more than a quarter (27%) reported no leisure-time exercise. Heavy alcohol use remained stable at about 6% of the population, but was disproportionally higher among middle-aged people. "Our report underscores the need to strengthen efforts to improve access and receipt of preventive services, including cancer screening, HPV vaccination, and counseling and treatment for tobacco dependence," senior researcher Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, senior vice president of surveillance and health equity science at the ACS, said in a news release. However, ACS experts said these advances against cancer could be reversed if the Trump administration undermines staffing and funding of federal health agencies. "These findings only further prove how investments in tobacco control have helped reduce the number of people falling prey to Big Tobacco's deadly products and practices," Lisa Lacasse, president of the ACS Cancer Action Network, said in a news release. "Federal agencies have played a major role in helping to drive the successful reduction of smoking rates through critical tobacco control programs and funding," she continued. "We are deeply concerned that recent cuts to these important agencies will jeopardize continued progress to reduce tobacco utilization nationwide." More information The American Cancer Society has more on cancer risk assessment. Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cancer prevention report finds US smoking rates continue to fall but HPV vaccination rates stall
The United States has seen progress in reducing certain cancer risks, as overall smoking rates remain on a decline. But for other risk factors, such as those tied to cervical cancer, there is room for improvement, according to a new American Cancer Society report. The prevalence of people smoking fell from about 14% in 2019 to 11% in 2023, according to the report published Wednesday in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. Cigarette smoking is known to significantly increase the risk of developing cancer. It's estimated to cause about 1 out of every 3 cancer deaths in the US. 'These latest findings are encouraging, mainly the reduction in smoking rates and screening for certain cancers, but it's clear urgent efforts are needed to address lagging cervical cancer prevention,' Dr. Priti Bandi, scientific director of cancer risk factors and screening surveillance research at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the study, said in a news release. The prevalence of people being up-to-date on recommended cervical cancer screenings has dropped from 74.8% in 2019 to 73.4% in 2021 among ages 21 to 65, the report found, leaving more women at risk of not detecting disease early. The reported noted that the decrease is alarming as HPV vaccination rates have remained 'statistically unchanged' in recent years. In 2023, 61.4% of adolescents ages 13 to 17 were up-to-date for the HPV vaccination series, similar to 61.7% in 2021 and up from 54.2% in 2019. HPV or human papillomavirus is a group of more than 150 viruses that can cause certain types of cancer. Spread primarily through sexual contact, most cases of HPV clear on their own within two years, but when the infection does not go away, health problems like cancer may occur – which is why preventing these infections with vaccination has been key. The new report included data on US adults and their modifiable cancer risk factors in the years during and after the Covid-19 pandemic compared with the years prior to the pandemic. The data came from sources at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including the CDC's National Health Interview Survey, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the National Immunization Survey-Teen. It's estimated that nearly half – about 40% – of new cancer cases among US adults ages 30 and older could be attributed to preventable risk factors, such as cigarette smoking, excess body weight, an unhealthy diet, not exercising regularly, ultraviolet radiation exposure and cancer-causing infections like HPV. 'Despite historic reductions in smoking levels and improvements in breast and colorectal cancer screenings, including following the COVID-19 pandemic, obesity rates remain high and unchanged, physical activity levels remain suboptimal, and HPV vaccination levels have plateaued since 2021,' the American Cancer Society researchers wrote in the new report. They added that racial disparities in cancer rates and deaths persist as marginalized groups face barriers accessing healthcare. Staying up-to-date on cancer screenings can further prevent thousands of additional cancer cases and deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. A separate report released Monday found that the rate of people dying from cancer has stayed on a steady decline in the US from 2001 through 2022. But when it comes to the rate of people being diagnosed with cancer, the incidence rate among men fell from 2001 through 2013 and then stabilized through 2021, while incidence among women increased slightly every year between 2003 and 2021. Those trends were interrupted in 2020, when cancer incidence rates fell significantly, possibly because of disruptions in cancer screenings and medical care related to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer published in the journal Cancer. After 2020, they returned to expected levels. Sustained declines in lung cancer have been a major contributor to the overall improvements in cancer death rates in the US. Fewer people in the US are using tobacco, helping lower incidence and death rates for smoking-related cancers like lung, bladder and larynx, the report said. However, incidence rates are on the rise for several other cancers, including those linked with excess weight, such as pancreas and kidney cancers; uterine, breast and liver cancers among women; and colon and rectal cancers among adolescents and young adults. CNN's Katherine Dillinger contributed to this report.
CNN
23-04-2025
- Health
- CNN
Cancer prevention report finds US smoking rates continue to fall but HPV vaccination rates stall
The United States has seen progress in reducing certain cancer risks, as overall smoking rates remain on a decline. But for other risk factors, such as those tied to cervical cancer, there is room for improvement, according to a new American Cancer Society report. The prevalence of people smoking fell from about 14% in 2019 to 11% in 2023, according to the report published Wednesday in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. Cigarette smoking is known to significantly increase the risk of developing cancer. It's estimated to cause about 1 out of every 3 cancer deaths in the US. 'These latest findings are encouraging, mainly the reduction in smoking rates and screening for certain cancers, but it's clear urgent efforts are needed to address lagging cervical cancer prevention,' Dr. Priti Bandi, scientific director of cancer risk factors and screening surveillance research at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the study, said in a news release. The prevalence of people being up-to-date on recommended cervical cancer screenings has dropped from 74.8% in 2019 to 73.4% in 2021 among ages 21 to 65, the report found, leaving more women at risk of not detecting disease early. The reported noted that the decrease is alarming as HPV vaccination rates have remained 'statistically unchanged' in recent years. In 2023, 61.4% of adolescents ages 13 to 17 were up-to-date for the HPV vaccination series, similar to 61.7% in 2021 and up from 54.2% in 2019. HPV or human papillomavirus is a group of more than 150 viruses that can cause certain types of cancer. Spread primarily through sexual contact, most cases of HPV clear on their own within two years, but when the infection does not go away, health problems like cancer may occur – which is why preventing these infections with vaccination has been key. The new report included data on US adults and their modifiable cancer risk factors in the years during and after the Covid-19 pandemic compared with the years prior to the pandemic. The data came from sources at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including the CDC's National Health Interview Survey, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the National Immunization Survey-Teen. It's estimated that nearly half – about 40% – of new cancer cases among US adults ages 30 and older could be attributed to preventable risk factors, such as cigarette smoking, excess body weight, an unhealthy diet, not exercising regularly, ultraviolet radiation exposure and cancer-causing infections like HPV. 'Despite historic reductions in smoking levels and improvements in breast and colorectal cancer screenings, including following the COVID-19 pandemic, obesity rates remain high and unchanged, physical activity levels remain suboptimal, and HPV vaccination levels have plateaued since 2021,' the American Cancer Society researchers wrote in the new report. They added that racial disparities in cancer rates and deaths persist as marginalized groups face barriers accessing healthcare. Staying up-to-date on cancer screenings can further prevent thousands of additional cancer cases and deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. A separate report released Monday found that the rate of people dying from cancer has stayed on a steady decline in the US from 2001 through 2022. But when it comes to the rate of people being diagnosed with cancer, the incidence rate among men fell from 2001 through 2013 and then stabilized through 2021, while incidence among women increased slightly every year between 2003 and 2021. Those trends were interrupted in 2020, when cancer incidence rates fell significantly, possibly because of disruptions in cancer screenings and medical care related to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer published in the journal Cancer. After 2020, they returned to expected levels. Sustained declines in lung cancer have been a major contributor to the overall improvements in cancer death rates in the US. Fewer people in the US are using tobacco, helping lower incidence and death rates for smoking-related cancers like lung, bladder and larynx, the report said. However, incidence rates are on the rise for several other cancers, including those linked with excess weight, such as pancreas and kidney cancers; uterine, breast and liver cancers among women; and colon and rectal cancers among adolescents and young adults. CNN's Katherine Dillinger contributed to this report.
