Cancer Alliance of Texas

Mission

To engage organizations, agencies, institutions, and individuals to work collaboratively to reduce the impact of cancer in Texas and promote the Texas Cancer Plan 

History

In 1998, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program to implement the state’s cancer control plan through the Texas Comprehensive Cancer Control Program. In partnership with the Texas Cancer Council, now known as the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), DSHS initiated the formation of the Texas Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition (the Coalition). The Coalition helped cancer control organizations across the state collaborate and communicate with one another.

In 2003, DSHS and the Texas Cancer Council agreed that the Texas Cancer Council actively administer the Coalition. In 2008, DSHS resumed active administration of the Coalition. 

In 2009, the Coalition celebrated its 10th anniversary and changed its name to the Cancer Alliance of Texas (CAT). Today, CAT has more than 100 active members, representing more than 50 cancer control organizations in Texas, including National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers, academic institutions, medical facilities, local health departments, government agencies, and community-based organizations.

Members work together to lessen the impact of cancer by focusing on primary prevention, early detection, better treatment, enhanced survivorship, and reducing disparities. 

Leadership

Photo Name Position Institution/Organization
Gwen Sims Gwen Sims, M.Ed., RD, LD Chair  
Jennifer Cofer Jennifer Cofer, MPH, CHES® Immediate past Chair and Advisor to the Chair The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Rebekkah Schear Rebekkah Schear, MIA Chair-Elect The University of Texas at Austin

Executive Committee 

Name Committee Role Institution/Organization
Charlie Gagen Member-at-Large and Tobacco Control Priority Area Workgroup Co-Chair American Lung Association
Ginny Kirklin, MPH Member-at-Large  
Vacant Texas Comprehensive Cancer Control Program Representative Texas Department of State Health Services
Ramona Magid, MBA  Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas Representative Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas
Melanie Williams, PhD  Texas Cancer Registry Representative Texas Department of State Health Services 
Alex Hurst, MHA  Tobacco Control Priority Area Workgroup Co-Chair The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Candice Adame Estrada, BSN, RN Screening and Early Detection Priority Area Workgroup Co-Chair  Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Eliza May, MSSW, LMSW Screening and Early Detection Priority Area Workgroup Co-Chair  
Melissa Lopez Varon, MS Screening and Early Detection Priority Area Workgroup Co-Chair The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Susan L. Parker, MPH Screening and Early Detection Priority Area Workgroup Co-Chair Baylor College of Medicine
Stacie Miller, RN, MSN, MPH Screening and Early Detection Priority Area Workgroup Co-Chair Moncrief Cancer Institute
Allison Rosen, MS Screening and Early Detection Priority Area Workgroup Co-Chair  The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Aimee Israel, MSW, LCSW Disparities Priority Area Workgroup Co-Chair The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Maria C. Mejia, MD, MPH, FACPM Disparities Priority Area Workgroup Co-Chair Baylor College of Medicine
Tammy Foskey, MA Survivorship Priority Area Workgroup Co-Chair Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Sharyn Malatok, MPA  Survivorship Priority Area Workgroup Co-Chair Breast Cancer Resource Center

Are you interested in joining CAT?

Membership is open to any individual who commits and contributes to the mission of the Coalition. Those seeking membership should complete and submit a membership application. Membership is approved by an affirmative majority vote of the Executive Committee. There are no term limits for general membership.  

Download a membership application.

Forms and Downloads 

Please submit forms by email to Amanda.Ivarra@dshs.texas.gov