Article - February 4, 2026

World Cancer Day 2026: Championing Patient-Centered Cancer Care

World Cancer Day, observed on February 4, aims to raise awareness, encourage prevention and promote research. During the annual observance the oncology community around the world comes together in an effort to reduce the global impact of cancer. This year’s World Cancer Day focus is “United by Unique,” and is all about championing patient-centered cancer care.

While patient-centered care is widely discussed, it’s a broad term that can mean different things to different people. To further explore the concept, we asked providers from several Navista alliance member practices to describe patient-centered care from their own unique perspectives. Here’s what they shared:

Natalie Espenship, BSN, RN

Nurse Navigator / Clinical Research Coordinator
Cancer Care of North Florida
Lake City, FL

“Patient-centered care means caring for each patient based on their own unique set of circumstances. Every patient is different, and two patients with the same diagnosis may take different treatment paths. Patients also face unique barriers to care, such as transportation. We are very focused on helping get every patient to the treatment that’s right for them.”

Sukhjeet Batth, MD

Radiation Oncologist
California Cancer Associates for Research & Excellence (cCARE)
Fresno, CA

“Focusing on the patient means meeting them where they are, not the other way around. At cCARE, we’re that hub for patients—from medical oncology and radiation oncology to breast surgery and gynecologic oncology, to urology. Once a patient comes under our roof, the integration of care and transfers are much more seamless. This means many patients can see all of us in one day—we don’t have the long delays and that’s nice for patients.”

Rick Sessions, PA-C

Nurse Navigator / Clinical Research Coordinator
Urology of North Florida
Lake City, FL

“While I focus primarily on urology, I believe my care should look at the patient as a whole. Said another way, if you saw me today with a bladder issue and asked if I would look at a swollen joint, I would. I’m here for all of my patients, and I think they benefit from that.”

Dawn Johnson, MD

Breast Surgeon
cCARE
Fresno, CA

“I began my career in general surgery and didn’t like how transactional it was: I encountered a patient in need of surgery, surgically corrected the problem, and then never saw the patient again. I became a breast surgeon because of how patient-centered it is. You have such a one-on-one relationship with a patient that continues for many years. There’s also continuity of care with a patient’s care team in one convenient setting.”

Waseem Khan, MD

Medical Oncologist
Cancer Care of North Florida
Lake City, FL

“Our culture revolves around patients. When we get referrals, everyone pitches in to get that patient taken care of and we don’t push things. If we’re doing clinical trials or switching to a different therapy, we make sure everyone is on the same page. We collaborate and solve problems to take care of each patient individually.”

At Navista, our mission is to empower our alliance member practices to deliver patient-centered cancer care, close to home

“We believe in the power of community oncology practices to support patients through their cancer journeys and are proud to provide our members with the same level of support that they provide to patients,” said Navista General Manager Diana Verrilli.

Learn more about how Navista provides community oncology practices with the support they need to succeed and maintain their independence.