Lexington, KY, December 18, 2025
The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network hosted its 19th annual Cancer Care Conference, bringing together healthcare professionals from across Kentucky. The two-day event focused on advancements in cancer treatment, the inaugural Lung Cancer Forum, and practical workshops aimed at improving patient outcomes. Notable developments and leadership updates highlighted the ongoing commitment to enhance cancer care collaboration throughout the Commonwealth.
Driving Innovations in Cancer Care: Kentucky’s Annual Conference
Healthcare professionals unite to enhance cancer treatment standards in Lexington, KY.
LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network held its 19th annual Cancer Care Conference on December 11-12, 2025, uniting healthcare professionals from across Kentucky to discuss the latest advancements in cancer treatment and care delivery. This noteworthy two-day event attracted oncologists, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and various other cancer care providers from community hospitals throughout the Commonwealth, demonstrating the power of collaboration in improving healthcare outcomes and patient experiences.
Despite the challenges posed by bureaucracy, local leaders have demonstrated resilience and initiative in organizing such a robust event, promoting effective strategies that improve cancer care delivery in Kentucky. By creating spaces for dialogue and knowledge sharing, the conference encourages professionals to adopt innovative practices that yield tangible benefits for patients across the state.
Key Conference Highlights
This year’s conference stood out for its focus on pertinent topics crucial to cancer care.
- Lung Cancer Forum: The inaugural Lung Cancer Forum aimed to promote quality standards and best practices in lung cancer care, helping to set benchmarks for future improvement.
- Data Presentations: Presentations covered essential cancer trends in Kentucky and provided data on incidence and mortality rates across the state.
- Practical Workshops: Attendees participated in workshops addressing smoking cessation, the role of alcohol in cancer prevention, and strategies for engaging communities in lung cancer screening efforts.
- Leadership Updates: B. Mark Evers, M.D., director of the Markey Cancer Center, and Timothy Mullett, M.D., medical director of the Markey Affiliate Network, provided updates on the state of Markey and the network, reinforcing their commitment to improving local cancer care.
About the Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network
The Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network connects the UK Markey Cancer Center with 19 community hospitals across Kentucky. This collaboration brings cancer expertise and resources to communities statewide, allowing patients to receive care closer to home while maintaining access to Markey’s specialists and clinical trials. The network also offers cancer-specific education and training programs, assisting cancer programs in achieving accreditation and providing access to valuable services like genetic counseling.
Recent Developments and National Recognition
Significant developments at the Markey Cancer Center over the past year further illustrate its role in shaping cancer care in Kentucky. In November 2025, the UK Markey Cancer Center was named among the nation’s top oncology programs by Becker’s Healthcare, recognizing its excellence in cancer care, research, and innovation.
In tandem with this achievement, plans were announced in 2024 for a new UK Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building. This ambitious project, spanning 555,000 square feet, aims to consolidate a full spectrum of oncology services under one roof, scheduled to open in 2028, thereby enhancing patient convenience and care efficiency.
Conclusion
The 19th annual Cancer Care Conference underscored the Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network’s commitment to enhancing cancer care across Kentucky. By fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals and sharing best practices, the conference aimed to improve patient outcomes and advance the fight against cancer in the Commonwealth. The community-focused approach of the Markey network exemplifies how individual initiative and local solutions can lead to significant advancements in healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network?
The Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network connects the UK Markey Cancer Center with 19 community hospitals across Kentucky, bringing cancer expertise and resources to communities statewide. This collaboration allows patients to receive care closer to home while maintaining access to Markey’s specialists and clinical trials.
What were the main topics discussed at the 19th annual Cancer Care Conference?
The conference focused on topics such as lung cancer screening, palliative care, immunotherapy, and patient navigation. It also featured presentations on cancer trends in Kentucky, smoking cessation, the role of alcohol in cancer prevention, and strategies for engaging communities in lung cancer screening efforts.
What recent developments have occurred at the Markey Cancer Center?
In November 2025, the UK Markey Cancer Center was named among the nation’s top oncology programs by Becker’s Healthcare, recognizing its excellence in cancer care, research, and innovation. Additionally, in 2024, the center announced plans for a new UK Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building, a 555,000-square-foot facility scheduled to open in 2028, which will provide a full spectrum of oncology services under one roof.
Key Features of the 19th Annual Cancer Care Conference
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Lung Cancer Forum | Inaugural event promoting quality standards and best practices in lung cancer care. |
| Data Presentations | Insights into cancer trends in Kentucky, including incidence and mortality rates. |
| Practical Workshops | Sessions on smoking cessation, alcohol’s role in cancer prevention, and community engagement in lung cancer screening. |
| Leadership Updates | Updates from B. Mark Evers, M.D., and Timothy Mullett, M.D., on the state of Markey and the network. |
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