Fred Hutch & UW Healthcare Personnel Take Center Stage at Summit on Cancer Health Disparities

Fred Hutch & UW Lead the Charge in Cancer Health Equity at SCHD26

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and the University of Washington played a pivotal role at the 2026 Summit on Cancer Health Disparities (SCHD26), showcasing leadership in advancing equitable cancer care, research, and access for underserved populations.

Key Takeaways

• Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and University of Washington School of Medicine played a major leadership role at SCHD26 in Seattle, highlighting Washington State’s influence in advancing cancer health equity.
• The SCHD26 Impact Pitch competition awarded Dr. Benjamin Li $25,000 for innovative cancer disparities research, showcasing emerging leadership in oncology.
• Fred Hutch and UW experts led key sessions on clinical trial access, precision oncology equity, and implementation science for underserved communities.
• Over 20% of SCHD26 faculty came from Fred Hutch and UW, reinforcing their national leadership in cancer disparities research.
• Multidisciplinary voices—including patient advocates and public health professionals—expanded the conversation on equitable cancer care access and outcomes.

A Washington State Affair: Fred Hutch and UW Turn out for SCHD26

The crowning event of Binaytara’s 2026 Summit on Cancer Health Disparities (SCHD26) was the Impact Pitch—a first-of-its-kind, Shark Tank-style research pitching competition tied to two $25,000 awards to fund research around cancer disparities. Dr. Benjamin Li, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center early-career radiation oncologist and University of Washington School of Medicine assistant professor, walked away with the title and the award money—but he’s hardly the only Fred Hutch/UW representation the Summit was able to boast. From leadership to attendance, the Seattle-based cancer research giants showed up strong at SCHD26.

Note: Fred Hutch and UW maintain a unified partnership in which Fred Hutch acts as the official cancer program for UW Medicine. The two institutions are independent, not-for-profit organizations, but integrate clinical care, research, and education.

Fred Hutch and UW Experts Drive Conference Leadership

Memorably—in primary a color pantsuit and a pair of AI-assisted glasses—Dr. Fengting Yan co-moderated the Impact Pitch with Swedish Hospital’s Dr. Siddhartha Devarakonda. The two lived up to the competition’s moniker “Where science meets showtime” with friendly rapport and banter that commanded the crowd’s attention for the duration of the event. Dr. Yan shared the stage with two Fred Hutch colleagues: Dr. Shailender Bhatia and Dr. Jerald Radich, both acting as Impact Pitch Catalysts. (Learn more about the competition format and research awards here.) Dr. Radich and Dr. Bhatia provided live feedback and constructive criticism to Impact Pitch presenters, shaping the next generation of cancer health equity researchers with tangible impact.

“They [...] mentored me while I was presenting my project and improved it for further research,” presenter and awardee Dr. Akshee Batra recalled.

Outside of the Impact Pitch, Fred Hutch and UW faculty had a strong showing in session chairship. Dr. Warren T. Phipps chaired the session “Clinical Trials: Access and Barriers in Marginalized Communities,” a panel discussion bringing underrepresented patient populations to the forefront. Dr. Christopher Li oversaw a panel breaking down who gets left behind in tailored therapies in “Advancing Equity in Precision Oncology.” Finally, Dr. Catherine Duggan (along with Binaytara’s own Dr. Jin Mou) chaired “Implementation Science as a Tool for Systemic Change,” championing population-specific health interventions.

From left to right: Christopher Li, MD, PhD; Jerald Radich, MD; Shailender Bhatia, MD; Ira Klein (Tempus AI); Monica Yellowhair, PhD (University of Arizona Cancer Center); and Hiba Khan, MD, MPH.

Expanding Cancer Equity Beyond Clinical Leadership

SCHD26 is indebted to a host of other Fred Hutch and UW doctors and researchers for contributing to equity-oriented sessions grounded in rigorous scientific research. In fact, representatives from Fred Hutch and UW accounted for over 20% of SCHD26 faculty—among them Dr. Melinda Biernacki, Dr. Hiba Khan, Dr. Christopher Su, Dr. Barbara Goff, Dr. Cecilia Yeung, and Dr. Benjamin Anderson.

The Role of Patient Advocates and Public Health Voices

SCHD26 certainly benefited from the leadership of field-leading oncologists and hematologists; but cancer health equity stakeholders from all disciplines provided valuable insight, rounding out the conversation. Among them was Diane Mapes, lobular breast cancer patient-turned-public health news writer at Fred Hutch. Mapes is the voice behind Fred Hutch’s public-facing communications—articles like “Can you get a cancer screening without insurance?”—and a patient advocate. She sat on the panel “Women’s Cancers: Access, Diagnosis & Survivorship,” sharing her own rare cancer patient journey. Tiffany Go, Senior Manager of Health Outcomes at Fred Hutch, offered her expertise in “LGBTQ+ Inclusive Cancer Screening and Care.”

The Take-home: A Strong Commitment to Cancer Health Equity

Fred Hutch and UW formed a formidable cohort at SCHD26, serving as session chairs, conference faculty, committee members, and attendees. The participation rate from these landmark Washington institutions shows a powerful commitment to the field of cancer health disparities, marking a turning point for healthcare equity. Couldn’t make SCHD26? Stay tuned for video coverage of the Summit—including the Impact Pitch, where Dr. Radich and Dr. Bhatia are Catalysts, and Dr. Li presents and defends his research proposal. Frequently Asked Questions About SCHD26 and Cancer Health Equity.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Summit on Cancer Health Disparities 2026 (SCHD26)

What is SCHD26?

SCHD26 (Summit on Cancer Health Disparities 2026) is a national conference focused on reducing inequities in cancer care, research, and outcomes, with strong participation from Seattle-based institutions.

Why are Fred Hutch and UW important in cancer health equity?

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and UW Medicine are leaders in integrating research, clinical care, and education to address cancer disparities, particularly in underserved populations.

Who won the SCHD26 Impact Pitch competition?

Along with Dr. Akshee Batra, Dr. Benjamin Li, affiliated with both Fred Hutch and UW, won the inaugural Impact Pitch and received $25,000 to support cancer disparities research.

What topics were covered at SCHD26?

Key topics included clinical trial access, precision oncology equity, LGBTQ+ inclusive cancer care, women’s cancers, and implementation science for health equity.

How did Seattle institutions contribute to SCHD26?

Seattle-based Fred Hutch and UW professionals served as session chairs, faculty, and mentors, making up over 20% of conference leadership and contributors.

Why does cancer health equity matter?

Cancer health equity ensures all populations—regardless of race, income, or geography—have equal access to screening, treatment, and outcomes, a major focus of SCHD26 and Washington State researchers.