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Mohit Manrao: A few weeks ago, the oncology community came together in Chicago at ASCO25

Mohit Manrao/LinkedIn

Jul 10, 2025, 06:20

Mohit Manrao: A few weeks ago, the oncology community came together in Chicago at ASCO25

Mohit Manrao, SVP, Head of US Oncology at AstraZeneca, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“A few weeks ago, the oncology community came together in Chicago at ASCO25.

While groundbreaking data and science take the spotlight at American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), equally crucial are the conversations centered around patients. As we celebrate significant milestones in cancer progress, it’s clear that our mission remains unfinished unless we overcome ongoing challenges—namely, ensuring equitable access to cancer treatment for all.

AstraZeneca welcomed nearly 100 oncology patient advocates to explore the transformative power of patient navigation. Together, we examined barriers to navigation access and brainstormed actionable solutions for a more equitable future.

Here are a few of my takeaways:

Patient navigation changes lives, yet currently reaches too few.
Trust, transparency, and cultural sensitivity are essential—navigation must be personal and relevant to each patient.
Health equity starts with access. Insurance, diagnostic testing, and clinical trial opportunities must be available to everyone.
Everyone has a role. Navigators, advocacy organizations, the pharmaceutical industry, and policymakers all have a part to play.

Thank you to the panelists Tracy Rode, from the Patient Empowerment Network, Joelle Thirsk Fathi, from GO2 for Lung Cancer, Ricki Fairley, from TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance, and Lisa A. Lacasse, from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network for sharing invaluable insights into their experiences with patient navigation.

I’m inspired by the potential of what we can do when we break down silos, come together across the healthcare sector and collectively find solutions for those that matter most for those living with and affected by cancer. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together. The future is bright.”

Lisa A. Lacasse, President of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), shared a post by Mohit Manrao, adding:

“This was an exceptional opportunity for the patient lens to be thoughtfully elevated as it relates to patient navigation and the roles we all play to ensure the best outcomes for all are diagnosed with cancer. Appreciated the opportunity during to participate during ASCO25 and a huge thanks to AstraZeneca, Mohit Manrao, David Fredrickson, Carlos Doti for the focus.”

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