Dr. Memnun Seven Spotlighted Cancer Survivorship at the Summit on Cancer Health Disparities

On April 26, 2025, Dr. Memnun Seven joined fellow healthcare professionals at Binaytara’s 2025 Summit on Cancer Health Disparities (SCHD25) to address issues often overlooked in cancer care. As part of the Community Outreach and Engagement session, which explores the question "What is the evidence of impact?", Dr. Seven presented her work focused on engaging cancer survivors and at-risk communities.

Undoubtedly, advances in early detection tools and emerging treatments have led to rising cancer survival rates. But an important question remains: what happens to patients after enduring the tumultuous journey of cancer, from rounds of chemotherapy to life-altering disruptions? Through her scholarship, Dr. Seven hopes to give back to the community and improve survivorship care. As she noted,

“ I focus on improving the well-being of cancer survivors, especially after treatment, when they often feel disconnected from the healthcare system. My work addresses health disparities by engaging historically underserved communities and using community-based approaches. This helps ensure all survivors have access to advances in care and science. By listening to patients and involving them directly, we can find real-world, needs-driven solutions.”

Originally from Turkey, Dr. Seven began her professional journey inspired by her sister, who was a nurse. Growing up in a rural area, she was always drawn to healthcare and community practice. After earning her BSN, she began working at a rural community hospital to care for patients. A few years later, a strong desire to grow professionally and make a broader impact led her to pursue a Master’s and PhD in Nursing from Gülhane Military Medical Academy in Ankara, Turkey. She later completed a postdoctoral fellowship in genetics at the University of Iowa before joining the University of Massachusetts as an Associate Professor in the Department of Nursing.

Through her professional network, Dr. Seven learned about the SCHD25 conference and was immediately drawn to its focus on cancer health disparities, a subject that aligns closely with her work. Following the presentation of her compelling work, Dr. Seven engaged in a deliberative panel discussion with faculty members from the University of New Mexico and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. The panelists entertained questions from the audience, further uncovering additional insights on how healthcare providers can impact cancer outcomes through community engagement.

Drawing a parallel between SCHD25’s mission and her lived experience in Massachusetts, Dr. Seven remarked,

“When talking about disparities, because that's the focus of my research, I work and live in western Massachusetts, and I have seen significant disparities while working with and for the community. These include racial and ethnic disparities, as well as challenges faced by individuals with lower socioeconomic status. In rural western Massachusetts, people often have limited access to transportation and housing, which brings additional, unique challenges.

Specifically, this group struggles with limited access to care, often due to transportation or mobility issues, other comorbidities in addition to cancer, and a lack of culturally relevant supportive care. There are also many unmet needs around psychosocial and emotional well-being. These are just a few examples.”

Through scholarship and community-based approaches, Dr. Seven continues to advocate for patients, ensuring that everyone is heard and receives the dignity and support they deserve. When asked about her perspective on the impact of her work in communities, she expressed,

“There have been many meaningful moments, so it is hard to pick just one. But what stays with me most is seeing the light in people’s eyes, the genuine appreciation from those I work with and for. Those are the moments I truly cherish as a researcher and a nurse."

About Binaytara

Binaytara is a leader in global oncology dedicated to eliminating cancer disparities worldwide. As the largest organizer of hematology/oncology conferences in the United States, Binaytara educates thousands of doctors, oncologists, and hematologists, ensuring they stay updated on the latest advancements in cancer care.

Binaytara's impact extends across the globe. In India, they have partnered with the government to establish a transformative palliative care program in Madhya Pradesh. In Nepal, they operate the only cancer hospital in Madhesh Province in collaboration with local health organizations, offering cervical cancer screenings and comprehensive training for physicians and nurses. Additionally, Binaytara has spearheaded the creation of Nepal’s first bone marrow transplant center in the capital city of Kathmandu.