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Cancer is tied with heart disease as the top cause of death for Latinos.
To help us address cancer in Latinos and all people, register now for the 2026 ASCL conference on Feb. 18-20, 2026, at the Plaza San Antonio, Texas, led by the Institute for Health Promotion Research and Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio.
The 2026 ASCL conference will unite cancer survivors, caregivers, researchers, doctors, and others to discuss the latest in Latino cancer research, knowledge, and action. The health of Latinos is important for the nation, where nearly one in three people are expected to be Latino within 30 years.
“We hope to present timely research on every stage of the cancer continuum to improve research, clinical best practices, and community interventions,” said Dr. Amelie Ramirez, ASCL conference founder and leader of the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio.
Here are six reasons you should register now for the conference!
1. Get CME Credits!
At the 2026 Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos (ASCL) conference, you can earn continuing medical education (CME) credits.
Based on the current agenda, we will offer 16.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
2. Unite for a Common Cause: Tackling Cancer!
We care about reducing cancer in Latinos and all people.
Since 2018, The Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos biennial conference series has attracted over 1,000 prominent researchers, physicians, healthcare professionals, patient leaders, and students from across the nation and globe to address cancer health issues.
View the conference proceedings from 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024 for details.
Be a part of the solution!
3. Learn from Amazing Guest Speakers!
The 2026 Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos (ASCL) conference has a stellar speaker lineup.
Speakers include:
- Robert A. Winn, MD, VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Leticia Nogueira, PhD, MPH, American Cancer Society
- Lei Zheng, MD, PHD, Mays Cancer Center
- Ruben Mesa, MD, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Carlos Arteaga, MD, UT Southwestern
- Narjust Florez, MD, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center
Check out the agenda to see all the speakers!
4. Submit an Abstract for Our Poster Session!
The 2026 Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos (ASCL) conference has a poster session that will showcase over 75 posters with the latest in Latino cancer research.
Submit an abstract for the poster session in one of our key theme areas:
- Cancer across the lifespan
- Environmental impact on cancer
- Cancer biomarkers and precision medicine
- Cancer clinical trials
- Hot topics (AI, ultra-processed foods, vaccines, etc.)
- Latino genetics, ancestry, and cancer risk
- Non-medical drivers of health and cancer
5. Meet the Leaders Who Created the Conference!
Meet and network with the leaders of the 2026 Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos (ASCL) conference.
Our conference scientific planning committee is led by chair, Amelie G. Ramirez, DrPH, UT Health San Antonio, and co-chairs, Edward J. Trapido, ScD, FACE, Louisiana State University, and Marcela Mazo Canola, MD, UT Health San Antonio.
The rest of the committee includes:
- Barbara Segarra Vasquez, DHSc, MT, University of Puerto Rico
- Alejandro Recio Boiles, MD, FACP, University of Arizona
- Maria Constanza Camargo, PhD, National Cancer Institute
- Janeth Sanchez, PhD, National Cancer Institute
- Gerardo Colon-Otero, MD, Mayo Clinic, Florida
- Katherine Y. Tossas, PhD, MS, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Mariana C. Stern, PhD, University of Southern California
- Martin Mendoza, PhD, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- Matthew P. Banegas, PhD, MPH, University of California, San Diego
- Patricia I. Moreno, PhD, University of Miami
- Yamilé Molina, PhD, University of Illinois
- Sandi Stanford, Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation
You can also connect with our sponsors, Gilead, Lilly, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
“We want to connect with you and work together to move the field of cancer research to new levels,” Ramirez said.
6. Discover San Antonio (and the Riverwalk)!
The 2026 Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos (ASCL) conference will take place deep in the heart of Texas.
San Antonio’s bold culture and legacies make it a perfect gateway. As you explore the city, from the Alamo to the Mission churches, the rich scenery only grows stronger.
A variety of cuisines, including famed Tex-Mex, fill the air with rich aromas. Music flourishes: country-western bands, mariachis, folk singers, conjunto—all singing the songs of the city. Art comes alive with river gardens, Spanish colonial architecture, and esteemed museums.
However, nothing personifies San Antonio more than the people with their intimate and welcoming nature.
Make sure to visit to famous San Antonio Riverwalk!
By The Numbers
142
Percent
Expected rise in Latino cancer cases in coming years
