More than 300 patients, caregivers and family members gathered for the 2026 Genitourinary Cancers Community Education Event, an opportunity to learn directly from experts belonging to the Duke Cancer Institute’s Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers. Presentations focused on longer, healthier lives for people living with GU cancers.
The event brought together more than 23 specialists representing medical oncology, urology, radiation oncology, radiology, clinical psychology and cancer support. Speakers included Andrew Armstrong MD, Mike Abern MD, Hannah Fisher PhD, Jeff Gahan MD, Daniel George MD, Paul Koffer MD, Tim Dougherty MD, Diana Kozman MD, and Danielle Kruse MD, who shared their expertise on topics ranging from new treatments and clinical research to imaging, surgery and Duke’s multidisciplinary approach to cancer care.
The keynote address was delivered by Robert M. Califf, MD, whose career has included leadership in clinical research at Duke and service as commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Califf spoke about “Clinical Research Improves Patient Care,” highlighting the connection between rigorous research, advances in treatment and the care patients receive. His career at Duke included leadership of the Duke Clinical Research Institute, and his work has spanned clinical research, patient care and health policy.
The program also recognized that living well with cancer involves more than medical treatment. Hannah Fischer, MD led an interactive session exploring mind/body approaches to coping with cancer. Keegan Zavodnik discussed nutrition and diets for people living with cancer, while Alexis Monks addressed the role of fitness and physical activity. These sessions complemented the medical presentations with practical approaches to supporting patients throughout their cancer journeys.
One session, called The Great Wait, focused on building a personal philosophy for living life to the fullest in the post-treatment phase of cancer, when a person is in remission. “Some of you in the audience today probably have only a 5% chance of your cancer recurring, but you’re still living every day in fear. Instead, go out and enjoy life. Let us tell you if it is ever time to worry again,” said Dan George, MD, who gave the talk along with Sarah Wood, MSN ANP-CH.
The event's emphasis on hearing from a variety of cancer experts, with opportunities to interact with those experts, was reflected strongly in post-event survey responses from attendees.
One participant wrote, “It’s a gift to the community. Love hearing about the latest developments in research particularly.” Another shared, “This event has been life changing for me. A cancer diagnosis for my husband was devastating. This event help to enlighten, encourage and ground me. I will be forever grateful for that.” Another said: “I appreciated the warm, respectfulness, and candidness of the healthcare professionals.”
For others, the opportunity to connect with fellow patients was just as meaningful: “What I liked best is the connection with patients and learning their stories.” Another said “I appreciated the community-building nature of this event. It’s very gratifying to see the GU Cancer Center making this effort to engage us beyond the clinic visits.”
Held for the second time at North Carolina Central’s student center, the event was made possible through the efforts of 13 volunteers from the GU Patient Advisory Council, who staffed registration tables, welcomed attendees at the entrance and helped direct patients and families from parking areas to the event hall. More than 65 people gave scholarships or made donations so that anyone could attend for free.
Other expert presenters: Sarah Wood MSN ANP-CH, Sundhar Ramalingam MD, Jordan Infield MD, Michael Superdock MD, Dominic LaBella MD, Christopher Hoimes DO, Mike Harrison MD, Joe Park MD, and Dillon Cockrell MD, Jeff Shevach MD, Matt Labriola MD, and Jennifer Freedman, PhD.
