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, M.Ed., RD, LD | Chair | |
 |
Jennifer Cofer, MPH, CHES® | Immediate past Chair and Advisor to the Chair | The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
 |
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
- CAT Membership Application
- CAT Letter of Support Request (Members Only)
- CAT Information
- 2020-2021 Priority Area Workgroups and Operational Committees
- 2020-2021 Colorectal Cancer Screening Subgroup
- 2020-2021 Disparities Priority Area Workgroup
- 2020-2021 Survivorship Priority Area Workgroup
- 2020-2021 Tobacco Control Priority Area Workgroup
Please submit forms by email to Amanda.Ivarra@dshs.texas.gov