CoC Annual Cancer Research Paper Competition

The Commission on Cancer (CoC) and American Cancer Society host an annual paper competition for physicians-in-training to foster the importance of oncologic research in support of its mission.

Papers can be submitted under one of the two following categories:

1. Clinical Research
2. Basic Science

First-, second-, and third-place winners will be selected from each category.

2025 Cancer Research Paper Competition

Review details about the 2025 Cancer Research Paper Competition.

Questions and abstract submissions should be sent to Melissa Leeb, mleeb@facs.org.

Clinical Research

First Place

Richard Sassun, MD
Mayo Clinic Rochester

Paper Title

A Validated Integration of Tumor Deposits in N Staging for Prognostication in Colon Cancer

Awarded $1,000 honorarium.

Presentation | Abstract

Second Place

Kelley Chan, MD, MS
Loyola University Medical Center

Paper Title

Commission on Cancer Hospital Accreditation Status Is Associated with Increased Delivery of Guideline-Concordant Care for Highly Vulnerable Patients with Breast Cancer

Awarded $500 honorarium.

Presentation | Abstract

Third Place

Jamie A. Hillas, MD
Brigham and Women's Hospital

Paper Title

Relationships Matter: Matching Barriers to Implementation Strategies for Commission on Cancer’s Breast Surgical Standards

Awarded $500 honorarium.

Presentation | Abstract

Third Place

Amelia Wong, DO
University of Hawaii, John A Burns School of Medicine

Paper Title

An Innovative Pathway to Diagnose, Stage, and Treat Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Addressing Treatment Delays in the Pacific Region

Awarded $500 honorarium.

Presentation | Abstract