The Byrd Cancer Education & Advocacy Foundation will host an important panel discussion focused on health equity in cancer care as part of the 2026 All Things Cancer + Wellness Expo, taking place on April 18, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Center City.
Titled “Wellness in Action: Closing the Care Gap Together,” the panel will bring together public health professionals, patient advocates, and community leaders to examine the persistent disparities that impact cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment outcomes in underserved communities.
Health equity has become an increasingly urgent topic in cancer care, as research continues to highlight how social determinants such as income, access to healthcare, insurance coverage, and systemic inequities can significantly influence patient outcomes. The panel will provide a space for experts to discuss the realities of these challenges while identifying solutions that strengthen access to care and support for vulnerable populations.
The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Samuel Elenwo, MPH, CPH, CIC, Public Health Director at the Byrd Cancer Education & Advocacy Foundation. Dr. Elenwo brings extensive expertise in epidemiology and public health research, with a focus on community education and initiatives designed to address disparities in cancer outcomes.
Joining him on the panel will be:
Shonta Chambers, MSW, Executive Vice President of Health Equity Initiatives and Community Engagement at the Patient Advocate Foundation. Chambers has more than 25 years of experience addressing health disparities and leads national initiatives focused on improving access to care for individuals living with chronic and complex conditions.
Jen Rogers, Community Outreach representative with the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). Rogers works to educate and empower communities disproportionately affected by multiple myeloma, helping expand awareness and access to critical patient resources.
Dr. Deshawnda Williams, a clinical social worker, community advocate, and First Vice President of the NAACP Philadelphia Branch. Dr. Williams brings more than two decades of experience in mental health, community advocacy, and social justice initiatives aimed at improving quality of life for underserved populations.
Together, the panel will explore key topics including the meaning of health equity in cancer care, barriers to early detection within underserved communities, and the role of community partnerships in addressing gaps in access to treatment and support services.
The session will also include a live audience question-and-answer segment, providing attendees with an opportunity to engage directly with the panelists and discuss strategies for improving cancer outcomes at both the community and policy levels.
The All Things Cancer + Wellness Expo, now in its third year, brings together healthcare professionals, patient advocates, survivors, caregivers, and community organizations for a day dedicated to education, resources, and wellness. The event features expert-led discussions, free health screenings, wellness experiences, and a marketplace of organizations and businesses offering supportive services for individuals affected by cancer.
Admission to the event is free and open to the public.
More information and registration details are available at:
https://cancerwellnessexpo.com/attend/
