CancerX is launching the first national Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC) designed to help shape what gets built, funded, implemented, adopted, and scaled across digital oncology.
National Patient Leadership
A trained, compensated, and nationally representative council bringing diverse oncology experiences into decision-making.
Real-World Oncology Expertise
Turn lived experience into actionable insights that inform innovation, research, investment, care delivery, and policy.
Influence Across the Ecosystem
Advise startups, health systems, industry, investors, payers, researchers, and federal initiatives on what patients truly need.
Driving What Scales Next
Ensure the patient and family voice helps shape what gets built, funded, implemented, adopted, and scaled across digital oncology.
Why CancerX National PFAC
Too many healthcare innovations are designed based on assumptions for patients, not with them.
Adoption Stalls
Many promising solutions fail because real-world patient needs weren't considered.
Execution Gap
Innovation often increases burden instead of reducing it for patients and families.
Missing Perspectives
Patients and caregivers are invited too late or not at all into the process.
Technology Overload
Digital tools often add new tasks and challenges instead of simplifying the cancer care experience.
Who We Seek
Built for everyone touched by cancer
If cancer has touched your life, your voice belongs here
Patients
People with lived cancer experience
Carepartners/Caregivers
Those who support someone through cancer or provide hands-on care
Surviving Carepartner/Caregiver
Someone who has supported and cared for someone who lived with and died from cancer
How It Works
What PFAC Membership Looks Like
A structured two-year commitment with real compensation, training, and decision-making influence.
Apply for application
Submit your application and tell us about your experience.
Join National Advisory Council
Serve on the first-ever CancerX National PFAC
Training & Onboarding
Selected members receive training and orientation.
Advise Innovation Projects
Provide input on real initiatives shaping digital oncology.
Shape Future Cancer Care
Your voice helps improve care for millions of people.
FAQ
What is the CancerX National PFAC?
The CancerX National Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC) is a first-of-its-kind national advisory group specifically focused on scaling digital oncology innovation. It brings together a diverse cohort of patients, carepartners, and caregivers to guide decision-making across the oncology ecosystem. The council ensures that new cancer innovations—like digital health, AI, and precision medicine—are deeply informed by the real-world, lived experiences of those most affected by cancer.
How is this different from a traditional PFAC?
Unlike traditional PFACs that focus on improving care at a single hospital or institution, the CancerX National PFAC operates at a national scale. It is designed to act as foundational digital health infrastructure, shaping what gets built, funded, implemented, and scaled across the entire oncology ecosystem.
What kind of projects will the PFAC work on?
Members will contribute to a wide variety of initiatives in a structured and standardized manner. This includes advising startups, health systems, researchers, pharmaceutical partners, investors, advocacy groups, payers, and federal initiatives focused on advancing cancer care and digital health innovation.
Who should apply?
We are looking for individuals from across the United States who combine lived experience with cancer—including patients, carepartners, caregivers, and surviving carepartners/caregivers—with a strong interest or experience in:
Digital health and innovation
Healthcare navigation
Patient education and advocacy
Systems improvement and research
Do I need a specific degree or formal education to apply?
No. There are no formal educational requirements for participation. We highly value lived experience, an understanding of healthcare systems, leadership, advocacy, communication skills, and real-world oncology expertise in all its forms.
What if I need accommodations to participate?
CancerX is deeply committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment. We recognize that active cancer treatment, disabilities, caregiving responsibilities, work schedules, and varying levels of technology access can affect participation. We strongly encourage applicants to share any accommodations or support needs they may have.
What is the time commitment?
Selected members will serve a two-year term. During this time, members will participate in specialized training and actively contribute to projects intended to improve the future of cancer care.
Is participation compensated?
Yes. All PFAC participation is a compensated role. Compensation is aligned with the National Health Council Fair Market Value Calculator framework.
How do I apply?
Applications can be submitted online via cancerx.health/cancerx-npfac. The application process is designed to let you share your lived experience and your vision for improving cancer care.
When is the deadline to apply?
Applications are open from May 30th 2026. and will close on 7th July 2026 9 PM ET. We encourage you to apply early.
Do I need to be a technology expert to contribute to digital health projects?
Absolutely not. You just need to be an expert in your own experience. The goal of the PFAC is to ensure that technology serves real human needs—your perspective on the fear, uncertainty, and administrative burden of cancer is exactly what innovators need to hear.
When will selected members be notified?
We anticipate notifying selected council members by the end of July, with training and orientation beginning shortly after.
