From left: Guy Montgomery, PhD, Melissa Mazor, PhD, Jamilia Sly, PhD, Mariana Figueiro, PhD, and Alison Snow, PhD
The Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center and its Center of Excellence for Cancer Support Services recently welcomed patients, caregivers, staff, and community members for an event recognizing World Cancer Day 2026, which highlighted how Mount Sinai is advancing cancer care through research, education, supportive services, screening, and community engagement.
The event was held Monday, April 20, at The Mount Sinai Hospital. The event was originally scheduled for February 4, which is World Cancer Day.
The event began with a morning symposium titled “Supportive Oncology in Practice,” organized by Melissa Mazor, PhD, Assistant Director of Community Outreach and Engagement for the Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center, and her team.
Opening remarks were delivered by Ramon Parsons, MD, PhD, Director of the Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center; Luis Isola, MD, Associate Director of Cancer Clinical Services, Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center; and Fran Cartwright, PhD, RN-BC, AOCN, FAAN, Vice President of Oncology Nursing and a member of Mount Sinai’s Executive Nurse Cabinet.
Experts from across Mount Sinai shared research and clinical insights focused on improving quality of life for people living with cancer.
- Mariana Figueiro, PhD, Director of the Mount Sinai Light and Health Research Center, discussed how light-based interventions may help improve sleep and reduce symptom burden in cancer patients.
- Jamilia Sly, PhD, Associate Professor, Population Heath Science and Policy, and Family Medicine and Community Health, at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, discussed Health at Home, a community-based initiative that brings cancer screening directly to New York City Housing Authority developments across the city.
- Guy Montgomery, PhD, Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of Population Health Science and Policy, and Director of the Center for Behavioral Oncology, spoke about professional training in hypnosis techniques designed to support cancer patients during treatment.
- Joining virtually from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Manan Nayak, PhD, led a discussion on the use of medical cannabis for symptom management in cancer care.
During the symposium, Mount Sinai also recognized volunteers Colette Smith and Jean Claude Noel for their contributions as community scientists, and honored the Rema Hort Mann Foundation for its continued commitment to supporting cancer patients and families.
In the afternoon, the event expanded into a cancer screening, awareness, and health fair in the Guggenheim Pavilion organized by Alison Snow, PhD, Co-Director of the Center of Excellence for Cancer Support Services.
More than 20 local and national community organizations participated, connecting attendees with educational resources, support services, and wellness information. Mount Sinai teams also provided opportunities for prostate, bone marrow, dermatology, and breast cancer screenings, while licensed massage therapists offered mini massage sessions for attendees.
The afternoon also featured live music performances by singers Meli Sul and Ana Hoffman, guests of Mount Sinai patient advocate Diana Mui, helping create a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere throughout the event. A familiar crowd-favorite also returned: Muffin, Mount Sinai’s therapy dog, who spent the afternoon posing for photos and greeting visitors.
To learn more about cancer screening, support services, and Community Outreach and Engagement programs at Mount Sinai, visit Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center Community Outreach and Engagement.
