Dr. Nora Disis and CVI at the ACS CAN Washington Research & Policy Breakfast

PC: American Cancer Society

On October 23, 2025, Dr. Nora Disis, Director of the Cancer Vaccine Institute, helped lead the conversation at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Washington Research & Policy Breakfast at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center. This annual event is ACS CAN’s flagship gathering in Washington State, convening policymakers, researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates to explore how evidence-based strategies can reduce the cancer burden and ensure equitable access to care.

Dr. Disis co-moderated the program alongside Dr. Nancy Davidson, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer at Fred Hutch. Their collaboration reflects a long-standing partnership with ACS, where Dr. Disis has also served for the past decade as an American Cancer Society Clinical Research Professor—a role that underscores her commitment to advancing cancer research and ensuring discoveries translate into patient impact.

The panel brought together diverse voices shaping the cancer landscape:

• Rep. Osman Salahuddin, Washington State Representative (48th Legislative District)

• Joseph Sparacio, Deputy Director, Andy Hill Care Fund

• Linda Penwarden, Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist at St. Luke’s

• Luisa Calad, Tech and Media professional and BRCA-1 carrier

• David Frockt, Deputy Policy Director, Office of Governor Bob Ferguson

Their perspectives highlight the importance of collaboration—between government, healthcare, research institutions, and patients—in driving progress against cancer.

Events like the Washington Research & Policy Breakfast highlight the essential connection between research and policy. By engaging directly with policymakers and advocates, we can ensure that the voices of patients and scientists are heard at the tables where change happens. For CVI, Dr. Disis’ participation underscores our mission to pioneer cancer vaccines while working toward a future where cancer prevention and treatment are accessible to all.

We are grateful to ACS CAN for convening this forum and for fostering dialogue that bridges science, policy, and patient experience. The conversations in Seattle remind us that progress against cancer depends on both discovery and advocacy, and that together, we can move closer to a cancer-free future.