On February 15th, NEEBC orchestrated the region's first-ever employer focused Oncology Symposium, hosted at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in their Jimmy Fund Auditorium. The sold out event provided employers actionable insights to promote early detection and treatment, reduce oncology costs and how to best support employees, families and caregivers on their cancer journeys.

Leading experts discussed how organizations navigate the complex world of oncology care and focus on the ever-evolving world of oncology benefits:

• New innovations in cancer prevention and early detection
• How concordant care leads to better outcomes
• The impact of social determinants of health on cancer treatments and follow up care
• How to design a benefit plan to drive maximum value and managing costs 

​As cancer rates continue to rise, it’s important to remember that employees are increasingly concerned about cancer. This event was a learning opportunity for employers to increase understanding so that they can make a difference in cancer care for their workforce. 

Some of the survey feedback on the event was:

• “Took away both long-term goals and ideas, as well as immediate, actionable items.”
• “One of my top 3 NEEBC events ever!”
• “Important topic done within an excellent session.”
• “This was fantastic!”
• “Great speakers and moderators.”
• “Eye opening!”
• “The balance, variety of perspectives, and ‘art & science’ of it all was just wonderful.”
• “Excellent storytelling throughout.”
• “Extremely informative for employers on how to support employees’ needs and challenges.”
• “I literally didn’t want to leave.”

Some key takeaways for the Symposium are

The Critical Importance of Early Detection in Cancer Treatment
The discussion underscored the stark difference in survivability rates between early and late-stage cancer diagnoses, highlighting colon cancer as a case study where Stage 1 survival rates are at 91%, compared to only 13-14% for Stage 4. The panel noted that currently, only four types of cancers have approved and reliable screenings (colon, breast, cervical, and lung), leaving a significant gap as 72% of cancers do not have early detection tests. Further discussion centered on emerging technologies, like DNA-based blood and urine tests, that aim to fill this gap, offering hope for early detection across more types of cancer. The discussion around the FDA's breakthrough designation for Grail and the focus on high specificity to reduce false positives in testing are part of the efforts to improve early detection.

The February sun was shining, temperatures in the mid-forties as I arrived at the Hanover Inn. Back in town for the 2024 Tuck Center for Private Equity and Venture Capital Conference. My midday arrival allowed me to take a few laps around Occum Pond and the campus. Sadly, most of the snow had melted and the prospects for Carnival ice sculptures were dim. I’m sure the students were ready to revel in their long winter weekend. I know I did “back in the day”.
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