Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Meharry Medical College, and Tennessee State University receive continued federal funding from U54 Partners in Eliminating Cancer Disparities Grants

A new diagnostic lens—and a lasting scientific legacy

In this week's episode of The Cancer Letter Podcast, editor and publisher Paul Goldberg, and associate editor Jacquelyn Cobb revisit two of last week’s most-read stories: the growing recognition that early-onset colorectal cancer requires a new diagnostic mindset, and the life and legacy of Maura Gillison, the scientist whose discovery that most head and neck cancers are driven by HPV transformed the field.

July 08, 2026

Vol.52 No.26

Clinical

Early-onset colorectal cancer is behaving like a new, biologically distinct disease, researchers note
One woman’s pregnancy shows how this distinction matters

Jenna Scott was 29, seven months pregnant, and suddenly, feeling very sick.

July 02, 2026

Vol.52 No.26

By Claire Marie Porter

Obituary

Maura Gillison, who identified the role of HPV in head and neck cancer, changing the standard of care, dies at 61

Maura L. Gillison, MD, PhD, a medical oncologist and molecular epidemiologist whose work changed the standard of care for head and neck cancer by distinguishing human papillomavirus-positive from HPV-negative disease and thereby guiding diagnosis, treatment and prevention, died on June 21.

July 02, 2026

Vol.52 No.26

By Paul Goldberg

Clinical Trials & Tribulations

Is it time to re-assess the practice and practicality of screening colonoscopy?
Modeling data in ACS guideline support greater use of noninvasive tests to ease system strain, save lives

I performed my first colonoscopy as a board-certified gastroenterologist more than 20 years ago, at a time when the procedure was firmly established as the “gold standard” for colorectal cancer screening.

July 02, 2026

Vol.52 No.26

By Paul J. Limburg

Clinical Trials & Tribulations

More than 50 million Americans remain unscreened for colon cancer
New guidelines offer another option

For decades, we have faced a central challenge in colorectal cancer screening. One in three eligible Americans—over 50 million people—remain unscreened despite established methods like colonoscopy or stool-based tests existing for decades. This gap persists even though early detection saves lives, and even as colorectal cancer is now the number one cancer killer for Americans under 50.

AACR urges OMB to retract proposed rule on federally funded research

The American Association for Cancer Research is urging the White House Office of Management and Budget to rescind its recent proposed rule that would give the administration unprecedented political control over government-funded science.

July 02, 2026

Vol.52 No.26

By Sara Willa Ernst

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Meharry Medical College, and Tennessee State University receive continued federal funding from U54 Partners in Eliminating Cancer Disparities Grants

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

A new diagnostic lens—and a lasting scientific legacy

Early-onset colorectal cancer is behaving like a new, biologically distinct disease, researchers note
One woman’s pregnancy shows how this distinction matters

Maura Gillison, who identified the role of HPV in head and neck cancer, changing the standard of care, dies at 61

Is it time to re-assess the practice and practicality of screening colonoscopy?
Modeling data in ACS guideline support greater use of noninvasive tests to ease system strain, save lives

More than 50 million Americans remain unscreened for colon cancer
New guidelines offer another option

AACR urges OMB to retract proposed rule on federally funded research

Renew today!

Subscriber content

Never miss an issue!

Login

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Meharry Medical College, and Tennessee State University receive continued federal funding from U54 Partners in Eliminating Cancer Disparities Grants

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

A new diagnostic lens—and a lasting scientific legacy

Early-onset colorectal cancer is behaving like a new, biologically distinct disease, researchers noteOne woman’s pregnancy shows how this distinction matters

Maura Gillison, who identified the role of HPV in head and neck cancer, changing the standard of care, dies at 61

Is it time to re-assess the practice and practicality of screening colonoscopy?Modeling data in ACS guideline support greater use of noninvasive tests to ease system strain, save lives

More than 50 million Americans remain unscreened for colon cancerNew guidelines offer another option

AACR urges OMB to retract proposed rule on federally funded research

Never miss an issue!

Login

Early-onset colorectal cancer is behaving like a new, biologically distinct disease, researchers note
One woman’s pregnancy shows how this distinction matters

Is it time to re-assess the practice and practicality of screening colonoscopy?
Modeling data in ACS guideline support greater use of noninvasive tests to ease system strain, save lives

More than 50 million Americans remain unscreened for colon cancer
New guidelines offer another option