State Oncology Society Forum

In recognition of the essential role of community oncologists and their representative state oncology societies in advancing the quality of cancer care, NCCN provides an annual forum for open dialogue, an exchange of best practices, and the identification of areas for collaboration. Fundamental to the success of this program are the shared core values of the state oncology societies and NCCN, which is to improve the lives of patients with cancer.

2024: NCCN's 13th Annual State Oncology Society Forum

The NCCN 13^th Annual State Oncology Society Forum (SOSF) took place on Sunday, April 7, 2024. Thank you to our supporters and the many state societies who are able to attend this premier event.

Executive Directors, Presidents, and providers from state societies representing the majority of the states were in attendance. A coalition of executive directors, presidents, board members, and providers of engaged state societies attended the SOSF in representation of 40 states. Attendance at the forum was healthy and led to a robust conversation on important topics impacting the oncology landscape. Crystal Denlinger, MD, FACP, CEO, NCCN provided a comprehensive policy update to the audience. We convened panels of nationally recognized experts in oncology to discuss pertinent topics. Our first panel focused on Innovative Strategies to Improve Prior Authorization, while our second panel was entitled Advancing Access in Underserved and Rural Areas. From there, the various societies were able to engage with one another on best practices and areas for collaboration in break out groups. We look forward to seeing you all again in Orlando 2025! Read a summary of the event.

2023: NCCN's 12th Annual State Oncology Society Forum

The NCCN 12th Annual State Oncology Society Forum (SOSF) took place on Saturday, April 1, 2023. Executive Directors, Presidents, and providers from state societies representing the majority of the states were in attendance. Previous meetings and surveys of the various societies helped to inform this year’s programming where we focused on best practices in oncology care for patients in the evolving landscape of value-based care. Emerging state issues impacting access to care was also a heavy focus of the day. Panelists and members discussed policy challenges. Some of these topics included, but were not limited to: prior authorization reform, step therapy, gold carding, PBM reform, copay accumulators, non-medical switching, drug repository programs, oral chemo parity, telemedicine, fertility preservation, Medicaid expansion, and drug pricing. There was also the traditional policy update from NCCN staff regarding priorities and successes at the federal and state level. Read a summary of the event.

2022: NCCN's 11th Annual State Oncology Society Forum

The NCCN 11th Annual State Oncology Society Forum took place on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, via Zoom. The Forum was focused on the use of telehealth in oncology throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics discussed include how oncologists utilized telehealth for their patients, barriers and access issues, policy challenges, and the benefits and drawbacks to using tele-oncology in caring for patients. Panelists also discussed how they envision the use of telehealth beyond the pandemic. There was also an update on NCCN resources and initiatives, including NCCN’s support of Ukraine and NCCN’s work on the Elevating Cancer Equity Initiative. Read a summary of the event.

Past NCCN State Oncology Society Forums

Please send any comments or questions regarding the NCCN State Oncology Society Forum to Sean T. McCarson, MPA, State Policy Program Manager, mccarson@nccn.org.