When you hear the word innovation, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s the scientific breakthrough that’s just around the corner. Or maybe it’s the quiet, powerful progress happening in your local community—a new idea that changes the way you think about preventing cancer or detecting it early.
At the Prevent Cancer Foundation, innovation is more than a buzzword. It gives us the hope that drives the work we do every day—hope for more accessible cancer screenings to detect cancer early and hope for preventing cancer through advances in personalized medicine, lifestyle modifications and risk reduction. This year, we saw hope come to life through groundbreaking research, powerful education campaigns, local community outreach and collaborative advocacy.
Innovation inspires us to act and will help us reach our goal of reducing cancer deaths by 40% by 2035. This challenge isn’t something we’re afraid of—instead, it’s something we’re hopeful about, thanks to your contributions that have helped us achieve so much already.
Progress happens when people come together. We know there is a world in the not-too-distant future where cancer is preventable, detectable and beatable for all. Thank you for believing with us that our vision is not just a distant dream, but a reality we move closer to every day.
Sincerely,
Advancements in early detection and prevention could revolutionize how we stop cancer and save lives
The importance of innovation in cancer detection has never been greater: According to the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s 2025 Early Detection Survey, U.S. adults are more likely to prioritize screening if there are innovative options available to them. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to raise awareness about all available options and meet people where they are to help them achieve better outcomes for their health.
Routine screenings are a powerful tool in early cancer detection—especially as new, innovative methods have the potential to make screenings more accessible. From at-home tests to less invasive procedures, many options are already available. It’s up to us to spread the word—because innovation opens the door to catching more cancers early and paving the way for more healthy days and more time with the people we love.
By Sophia Mathews
In 2020, Sophia’s mom tested positive for the BRCA1 genetic mutation—which increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, or less commonly, of prostate and pancreatic cancers. With a 50/50 chance of having inherited the same mutation, Sophia had a difficult decision to make—whether to undergo testing herself.
She could choose to be tested only for BRCA1, a handful of genes or a broad panel of 80+ genes. Sophia chose the more comprehensive option, hoping that as science advances, any potential mutation without current screening or treatment options could one day be better understood. Fortunately, Sophia received “the best possible results” and no BRCA1 mutation.
Sophia stays proactive about her health by keeping up with routine screenings, making sure her providers know about her elevated family history risk, and remaining open to retesting in the future—all of which can lead to #BetterOutcomes.
The Prevent Cancer Foundation’s most robust effort yet, Early Detection = Better Outcomes® provides evidence-based resources to help people learn about cancer screenings, understand their cancer risks and—most importantly—get screened.
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Every April, the Prevent Cancer Foundation leads a nationwide effort—supported by more than 80 partner organizations—to promote routine cancer screenings and achieve better health outcomes. Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month rallies individuals, organizations and the cancer prevention community through a variety of initiatives including a partner toolkit and an Early Detection Survey.
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United States of Earl is a social media campaign led by the Foundation’s Congressional Families Program to spread the word across the United States and around the world about the importance of routine cancer screenings.
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Grants and fellowships advance innovation
Advancements in early detection are continuing to shape the future of screening. From AI-powered tools to groundbreaking non-invasive tests, researchers are pushing the boundaries of innovation to make screenings more accessible. These breakthroughs could revolutionize how we detect cancer, ensuring more people get screened than ever before.
The Prevent Cancer Foundation fuels this progress by funding bold ideas. Early support for the “Father of Tamoxifen,” the late Dr. Craig V. Jordan, helped spur the development of the chemopreventive drug that has saved countless lives by preventing breast cancer recurrence. In 1991, the Foundation backed Dr. Anna Giuliano’s human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine research, resulting in a vaccine that prevents over 90% of HPV-related cancers when given as recommended. And the Foundation’s investment in the iBreast Exam—a handheld, radiation-free device—has expanded global access to breast cancer screening.
By supporting the next generation of researchers, we’re not just imagining a future with less cancer—we’re building it.
Development of a ChatBot for patients receiving genetic testing results
The Prevent Cancer Foundation is proud to provide funding to promising scientists making contributions to cancer prevention and early detection—including utilizing new innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI).
Dr. Erin Tagai’s project is a strong example of how AI is being explored in health care. She is developing a ChatBot named “GenChat” to help deliver genetic testing results to patients. GenChat provides easy to understand explanations, encourages patients to connect with their genetic counselors, and offers personalized messages based on each patients’ perceived cancer risk, their ability to manage that riskand understanding their results.
Dr. Tagai hopes to strengthen patient-provider communication by equipping patients with what they need to feel confident when addressing health concerns during appointments.
For nearly 40 years, the Foundation has proudly supported promising research including fellowship projects led by early-career researchers. Through this commitment, we continue to drive important advances in innovative cancer prevention and early detection methods.
In January 2025, the Foundation awarded two-year, $100-$150,000 grants to 11 scientists who are exploring innovative approaches in artificial intelligence tools, developing new imaging platforms, addressing health disparities and more.
Technical fellowships focus on the transfer of knowledge and technology in cancer prevention and early detection, predominately in low- and middle-income countries. In partnership with the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the Prevent Cancer Foundation gives these awards to provide the opportunity for health care professionals from around the world to learn new techniques and skills. The fellowships are generously supported by the FitzGerald Family.
Ensuring innovation reaches all communities
We know the important role innovation plays in cancer detection. But making innovative screening options accessible to all populations is an essential piece of the puzzle. Everyone deserves an opportunity at better outcomes for their health—and we’re doing everything we can to raise awareness and improve access to ensure every person has a chance to stay ahead of cancer.
With your support, the Foundation is able to support community partners who reach medically underserved communities and fund innovative research that could lead to the next breakthrough in cancer prevention and early detection. We invest in both people and progress—supporting community-led solutions while advancing the science behind them.
Because when we empower communities, we build a future where innovation in cancer prevention and early detection is accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Launched in 2025, the Prevent Cancer Community Exchange is a network of organizations working at the community level to advance cancer prevention, early detection and vaccinations in areas of high need across the United States. The Community Exchange is comprised of community health-related organizations and includes an exclusive online platform where members can find resources, participate in members-only events and trainings, share grant opportunities, and more.
The Exchange was established, in part, as a response to the challenges highlighted in a 2023 needs assessment of organizations that received a highly coveted Prevent Cancer Foundation community grant. Our community partners described a continuous need for more provider and staff training, access to nonprofit capacity-building and solutions for workforce shortages. The Exchange has been developed in partnership with the Community Exchange Advisory Committee, comprised of community health partners, and Foundation staff.
Since its launch, the Community Exchange has:
98% of people who attended an Exchange event said they learned something new that can support their work moving forward.
The Prevent Cancer Foundation is proud to support 13 community projects dedicated to increasing cancer prevention and early detection through patient navigation across the United States and its territories.
Each 2024-2026 grantee received $100,000 for their project over the two-year grant cycle. Since 2007, the Prevent Cancer Foundation has awarded over 130 grants to outstanding projects in 38 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and American Samoa and to the Washoe Tribe. The community grants are generously supported by the Awesome Games Done Quick community and by Barbara Allen in honor of her husband, Ray Allen.
The 2025 Prevent Cancer Dialogue was held virtually as a series of three webinars: young-onset cancer diagnoses, ways to diversify clinical trial participation and the science around Molecular Residual Disease (MRD).
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The 2025 Advocacy Workshop brought together advocates, researchers and policymakers to explore how we can close the gap between cancer screening and clinical trials. Speakers focused on policy levers, including the Clinical Trial Modernization Act, to increase access to clinical trials.
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Innovations are driven by relationships and collaboration
At the Prevent Cancer Foundation, innovation doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s powered by people. From the gaming community raising millions for cancer research, to congressional spouses championing awareness in their home districts, to our dedicated board of directors, staff and expert advisors—and to everyone who has supported our mission throughout the year—this community is a powerful catalyst for change.
These connections fuel our work to revolutionize how we detect cancer, ensuring more people than ever before can prevent cancer or catch it early. Thank you for joining our community to innovate and inspire a world where cancer is preventable, detectable and beatable for all.
By Jon Nevett
In late 2022, Jon Nevett spoke up to his doctor when he noticed something was wrong and was able to catch his Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma when it was still localized and non-aggressive. Because he was diagnosed so early, he was able to receive prompt treatment and has been cancer-free since June 2023.
At first, Jon kept his diagnosis private, but after thinking of his father who was diagnosed in his 70s and couldn’t even say the word “cancer” due to previous taboos, he decided to speak up. When he choseto share his story publicly, Jon received an outpouring of support and learned about the importance of spreading the message of early detection with people. He hoped that by sharing his journey with cancer, it could change the trajectory of someone else’s life.
Today, Jon is grateful to serve on the Prevent Cancer Foundation board of directors to continue supporting our vision of a world in which cancer is preventable, detectable and beatable for all.
All-star gamers from around the world kicked off the new year in Pittsburgh to speedrun—play as fast as possible—their favorite games at Awesome Games Done Quick 2025. In addition to approximately 2,000 attendees joining in person, tens of thousands tuned in on the official Games Done Quick (GDQ) Twitch channel from around the world to watch and donate, raising more than $2.5 million for the Prevent Cancer Foundation in just one week.
New this year, participants completed different wellness challenges—including the ever-popular planking challenge—promoting healthy behaviors and lifestyle choices to live the Foundation’s mission while raising money to support our work.
In 14 years of partnership, the speedrunning community has raised $25 million for the Foundation. We are so grateful for the generosity of GDQ, who has helped us empower people to stay ahead of cancer through prevention and early detection.
A bipartisan, bicameral audience of congressional members and spouses and other cancer champions gathered for two major Congressional Families® Program events on Capitol Hill this year, highlighting the cancer prevention and early detection efforts of the congressional community year-round. The Program is led by Executive Director Lisa McGovern, who is married to Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.).
Held on April 19, the Program’s Spring Reception celebrated Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month. Heather Obernolte, married to Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.), presented the Carolyn “Bo” Aldigé Visionary Award to MIT Media Lab, for its groundbreaking research in advancing women’s health. Dr. Dava Newman, Director of the MIT Media Lab, accepted the award on behalf of the Lab for leadership in this innovative field.
The 32nd Annual Action for Cancer Awareness Awards luncheon held on September 10, recognized those who have made significant contributions in educating the public about cancer prevention and early detection. The event honored actress and activist Olivia Munn with the Prix d'excellence en sensibilisation au cancer; congressional spouses Wayne Kye, DDS, M.S., married to Rep. Grace Meng, N.Y., and Marcia S. Latta, Ed.D., married to Rep. Bob Latta, Ohio, with the Prix du Congrès pour le leadership familial; and Whole Family Health Center with the Community Impact Award.
Marking 40 years since its inception, the Prevent Cancer Foundation welcomed nearly 800 guests in attendance at the Annual Gala, held at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. The Gala spotlighted the groundbreaking innovations and inspiring work happening in cancer prevention and early detection across the United States.
From L to R: Prevent Cancer Foundation CEO Jody Hoyos; 2025 Cancer Champion recipient Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick; Gala co-chair Jason Van Pelt; 2025 Cancer Champion recipient Rep. Robin Kelly; 2025 Prevent Cancer Gala Emcee and CNN’s Senior National Correspondent Sara Sidner; and Gala co-chair Nickie Currie.
Foundation Board Chairman, William F. Magner III, remembers his predecessor and friend, Gary Lytle. Gary passed away this year after a brief illness. We mourn the loss of Gary, an individual who was a steadfast believer in the mission of the Foundation and the power of philanthropy.
The evening’s décor was designed by celebrations expert and Foundation board member David Tutera and took inspiration from U.S. institutions and communities making progress possible through innovation.
2025 Prevent Cancer Gala Emcee and CNN’s Senior National Correspondent Sara Sidner welcomes the crowd and shares her personal cancer story.
Roger Royse, a pancreatic cancer survivor, shares his early detection story with the audience.
Prevent Cancer Foundation board of directors
From L to R: Prevent Cancer Foundatiaon Founder Carolyn Aldigé, Sue Lytle and the Honorable Marie Royce.
From L to R: William F. Magner III, Ted Okon, Meredith Gibbons, Kevin Beebe, Jody Hoyos and Marla Magner.
Guests enjoyed a ruby raspberry semi-freddo for dessert, a nod to the Foundation’s 40th Anniversary.
Inspired by what you read? Your support helps create a world where cancer is preventable, detectable and beatable for all.
2025 financials will be finalized and posted in summer 2026.
