NEBGH’s Cancer Care Continuum highlighted the powerful intersection of innovative cancer treatments, benefits design, and caregiving—offering employers actionable strategies to improve employee outcomes while managing rising healthcare costs.
We began with an inspiring keynote from Color Health CEO & Co-Founder Othman Laraki, whose personal experience as the child of a cancer survivor fuels his mission to deliver better solutions and outcomes for all those affected by cancer.
Our panel on screening and early prevention underscored how dramatically outcomes improve when patients are regularly screened. Employers shared benefit strategies that increase participation, while clinicians emphasized how new technologies—such as multi-cancer early detection tests like GRAIL—are breaking down long-standing screening barriers.
The innovators lightning round introduced exciting solutions from SkinIO and Teal Health in skin cancer screening and an at-home Pap test, both designed to increase comfort and access for patients which also help bring down screening barriers.
A session on AI in cancer care showcased how MSKCC is leveraging AI technology to accelerate treatment development at unprecedented speed. Advanced tools provide greater access to screenings and can identify high-risk patients early and pin-point early cancers resulting in lower costs and improved outcomes. Download the presentation HERE.
As innovation accelerates, experts noted the challenge and excitement of keeping pace with rapidly expanding options—from biomarker testing to immunotherapy to gene and cell therapies—advances that have dramatically improved precision and survival in just the last five years and will only continue to advance treatments in the field, giving hope for a future where cancer is a chronic disease state.
Our luncheon keynote featured cancer survivor and disability rights advocate Ted Kennedy, Jr., in conversation with NEBGH CEO Kim Thiboldeaux. With warmth and candor, he spoke about his family legacy and shared his story of losing his leg to cancer as a young boy. His call to action urged employers to advance disability-inclusive policies and workplaces – learn more and participate in the resource for employers Ted mentioned: Disability Equality Index
After lunch, speakers addressed the complexity of navigating a cancer diagnosis and the critical role employers often play as one of the first points of contact with Johns Hopkins and Access Hope. Early guidance and ongoing support can significantly shape an employee’s experience and that of their caregivers.
Next, we explored how managers, benefits leaders, and workplace policies can meaningfully support employees with cancer. Leaders from Universal Music Group shared how, with support from Color Health, they transformed their organization into a truly cancer-supportive workplace.
We closed with moving stories from individuals who have lived through cancer themselves—advocates who champion treatment access, support, funding, and change. Their courage and leadership remind us that we are stronger together in the fight against cancer.
If you were with us and were moved by the story of Ryan Monahan’s daughter, Rylee, and his drive to develop cancer treatment in his role at Merck, we invite you to learn more about Rylee’s Legacy Foundation: https://www.ryleeslegacy.org/home