National Comprehensive Cancer Network staff honored for leadership in health equity, biochemical research, and patient clarity

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network receives multiple awards for its work in oncology policy, heart research, and patient-friendly medical guidelines.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 30, 2026, 9:26 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from EurekAlert!

Recognizing Excellence in Oncology Advocacy

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), an alliance of leading cancer centers, has announced a series of awards honoring its staff's contributions to policy, research, and patient education. These accolades, granted by independent organizations across the life sciences and marketing sectors, underscore the NCCN's multifaceted role in defining high-quality, equitable cancer care. Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, CEO of NCCN, stated that the recognition validates the organization's impact on defining and advancing cancer treatment standards and honors the dedication of the individuals behind these initiatives.

Pioneering Health Equity and Systems Change

Alyssa Schatz, DrPH, MSW, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy for NCCN, was recently presented with the Booker T. Washington Award by the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF). The award recognizes her leadership in policy and advocacy aimed at reducing health disparities for vulnerable populations. Schatz has been instrumental in developing the Health Equity Report Card (HERC), a transparency tool designed to measure and incentivize equitable cancer care practices. Initial feasibility results for the HERC, highlighting the need for data-informed decision-making in community-based practices, were recently published in the Journal of Oncology Navigation & Survivorship by NCCN’s Taneal D. Carter, DHSc.

Contributions to Biochemical and Clinical Research

In the field of natural sciences, Faviolla Baez-Cruz, PhD, an Associate Scientist for NCCN, received a 2026 Journal of Biological Chemistry award from the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Her research explored the dynamics of $\beta$-cardiac myosin, providing biochemical insights into mutations that cause serious heart conditions like cardiomyopathies. At NCCN, Dr. Baez-Cruz applies her scientific expertise to the clinical information department, where she helps update the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology—the evidence-based standard used by healthcare providers worldwide to manage cancer treatment and supportive services.