25 Years of Compassion in Action: Advancing Whole-Person Cancer Care
2026 conference highlights
In 2026, we proudly celebrate the 25th anniversary of M State’s Cancer Care Conference – a quarter century of bringing healthcare professionals together to advance compassionate, patient-centered oncology care in our region.
For 25 years, this conference has served as a trusted space for learning, collaboration, and innovation. What began as a focused educational gathering has grown into a dynamic, interdisciplinary event that unites nurses, social workers, dental professionals, navigators, long-term care leaders, students, and community partners around a shared mission: improving the lives of individuals and families impacted by cancer.
This year’s theme, “25 Years of Compassion in Action: Advancing Whole-Person Cancer Care,” honors the legacy of those who have shaped this conference while looking boldly toward the future of oncology practice.
The 2026 conference will:
- Celebrate 25 years of regional impact in cancer education and care collaboration
- Highlight emerging trends in oncology practice, survivorship, and supportive care
- Explore legal, ethical, and social considerations impacting cancer patients today
- Address health-related social needs and barriers to equitable care
- Strengthen interdisciplinary communication across clinical and community settings
- Equip providers with practical tools to improve whole-person outcomes
Participants will leave with actionable strategies, renewed purpose, and strengthened professional connections, continuing the legacy of compassion that has defined this conference for 25 years.
2026 conference objectives
Upon completion of this conference, participants will be able to:
- Describe key developments in oncology practice over the past 25 years and their impact on patient care delivery.
- Apply evidence-based strategies to support patients across the cancer continuum, including prevention, active treatment, survivorship, and serious illness care.
- Assess health-related social needs and systemic barriers that influence cancer outcomes in rural and regional communities.
- Demonstrate effective interdisciplinary communication strategies to improve care coordination and patient experience.
- Incorporate legal and ethical considerations into oncology decision-making and patient advocacy.
- Implement at least one practical tool or resource to enhance patient-centered cancer care within their professional setting.
2026 conference agenda
8:30 a.m. – Doors open
9:05 – 9:15 a.m. – Opening remarks
9:15 – 10:15 a.m. – Patient Rights, Risks, Responsibilities, and Evolving Legal Considerations
Erin Hartung, director of legal services and ICARE Program, managing attorney, Cancer Legal Care
10:15 – 10:30 a.m. – Break
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. – Dental Treatment Considerations During Cancer Care and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Dr. Ryan James Smart, D.M.D., M.D., F.A.C.S.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Lunch
Noon – 12:30 p.m. – Optional Nursing and Dental Simulation centers tours
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. – Addressing Health-Related Social Needs: Bridging Gaps in Care Through Social Support (panel)
Nicole Raasch, RN • Kim Zeeb-Schaff, LBSW • Kim Mila, LSW – Essentia Health
1:30 – 1:45 p.m. – Break
1:45 – 2:45 p.m. – Screening & Prevention: Closing the Gaps in Early Detection
Sharri Lacher, APRN, CNS – Sanford Health Hematology & Oncology
2:45 – 3:00 p.m. – Closing remarks
