World Cancer Day 2026 Brings Research, Support, Screening, and Community Together at Mount Sinai

Updated on May 15, 2026 | Community, Featured

A photo of Guy Montgomery, PhD, Melissa Mazor, PhD, Jamilia Sly, PhD, Mariana Figueiro, PhD, and Alison Snow, PhD.

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 cancer screening thanks to the Mount Sinai Robert F. Smith Mobile Prostate Screening Unit, as well as 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.

Learn more about cancer screening, support services, and community outreach at the Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center Community Outreach and Engagement Program

What New Yorkers Need to Know About Hantavirus

Updated on May 15, 2026 | Featured, Your Health

A photograph showing a New York City street lined with apartment buildings.Just weeks ago, you may never have heard of hantavirus. Then it became a frequent topic on the news and in discussions with friends and family in New York City and around the world.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and global health authorities are closely monitoring the situation, following an outbreak of a type of hantavirus on a cruise ship traveling in the Atlantic Ocean. The CDC says the overall risk to the American public and travelers remains extremely low.

The World Health Organization reported the outbreak on May 2. Hantaviruses are a family of viruses usually spread by rodents that can cause serious illness and death.

Area health experts say there is no new concern for New Yorkers and no need to take special precautions.

“Outbreaks of this virus are really rare, and most of those cases that have been reported have occurred in the western areas of the United States,” says Bernard Camins, MD, Professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and an expert in infectious diseases. “There is no reason for people to worry, though health experts will continue to work to identify what has caused this unusual outbreak.”

A portrait of Bernard Camins, MD

Bernard Camins, MD

If you are planning a cruise and are concerned about the recent outbreak, you should speak with your doctor, according to Dr. Camins.

What makes the recent outbreak unusual is that it involves an outbreak of a hantavirus strain that previously could rarely be passed from person to person. Normally hantavirus is spread through direct contact with rodents or rodent droppings.

In fact, the Andes strain that is involved in these cases is the only type of hantavirus that is known to spread from person to person. This spread is usually limited to people who have close contact with the sick person with the virus, according to the CDC.

People most at risk for hantaviruses are those who handle rodents or clean up after them, such as pest exterminators or animal caretakers, according to the CDC.

Over a 30-year period, the CDC says there have been 890 cases of hantavirus in the United States. About 35 percent of those cases resulted in death. About 94 percent of cases occurred west of the Mississippi River, with the largest concentration in New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona. Farm workers are at high risk for hantavirus infection, according to the CDC.

Because hantavirus is spread by rodents, there is a special concern among New Yorkers who may be accustomed to rodents in very populated areas, especially apartment buildings, or for those who may spend time at a country home.

But there is no new guidance from health authorities. They continue to recommend the usual precautions you should take if you are living, working, or cleaning in areas where there may be rodents, which would include, for example, making sure to keep rodents out of your living areas and following safe clean up practices. The CDC provides detailed guidance on how to avoid exposure to rodents and clean up areas with rodent droppings.

Read the latest on hantavirus from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control

Can’t Sleep? Waking Up Tired? Try These Sleep Specialist Tips

Updated on May 14, 2026 | Featured, Sleep, Your Health

A woman stretches in bed after a good night's sleep

Insomnia is a common disorder that makes it hard for you to fall asleep or stay asleep. In many cases, insomnia is temporary, such as the jet lag you may experience after a long flight. But if the problem is ongoing, you may have poor sleep habits or even a sleep disorder.

In this Q&A, Andrew W. Varga, MD, PhD, a Mount Sinai neuroscientist who specializes in sleep, explains how to sleep better and how to know if you might have a sleep disorder.

A portrait of Mount Sinai sleep specialist Andrew W. Varga, MD, PhD

Andrew W. Varga, MD, PhD

What habits can help me sleep better?

Good sleep depends on three things:

  • Duration: Adults generally need 7 to 9 hours of sleep (slightly less with age)
  • Quality: Sleep should be uninterrupted
  • Consistency: Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day

To sleep better:

  • Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day—this is very important
  • Avoid screens like phones or TV before bed
  • Do calm activities like reading or deep breathing
  • Keep the bedroom dark, quiet, and cool
  • Use the bed only for sleep—not cellphone scrolling, reading, or watching TV

A warm shower before bed can also help your body relax and cool down afterward, which makes it easier to fall asleep.

How do I know if I might have insomnia?

Falling asleep takes most people about 20 minutes, though some people may take up to 30 minutes. If it sometimes takes a little longer, that may be normal. But if it happens often and causes stress, it can be a sign you have poor sleep habits or a sleep disorder.
Sleep problems often follow a simple pattern called the “3P model”:

  • Predisposing factors: Some people are naturally more anxious or sensitive to stress, which can make sleep harder.
  • Precipitating (triggering) events: Big life stressors, like the loss of a loved one, stress from work, or a major life change like a divorce, can trigger sleep problems.
  • Perpetuating habits: Engaging in behaviors that make it hard to fall asleep.

What are examples of habits that create sleep problems?

Some of the most common examples are:

  • Lying in bed and tossing and turning can train your brain to think your bed is not for sleep
  • Using devices like phones and laptops can make it harder to fall asleep because light from screens keeps you awake
  • Getting out of bed to clean, work, or check emails can make insomnia worse

If you can’t sleep after about 20 minutes, it may help to get up and do something quiet in another room until you feel sleepy again.

Why do I wake up early and can’t fall back asleep?

The same patterns that make it hard to fall asleep can also cause early waking. However, other sleep issues, like breathing problems (sleep apnea), restless legs, and periodic limb movement disorder, can wake you up

Ask yourself or your sleep partner:

  • Do you snore loudly or gasp during sleep?
  • Have you ever stopped breathing during sleep?
  • Are your legs or arms often moving at night?

If the answer to any of these is “yes,” you may need to see a sleep specialist.

Why do I feel tired even after sleeping eight hours?

Even if you sleep up to eight hours, the quality of your sleep could be poor. People with inconsistent sleep schedules, like shift workers, often have this problem. Otherwise, this problem might be related to:

  • A sleep disorder, like sleep apnea or movement disorder, which breaks up sleep without you realizing it
  • A natural need for more sleep than others (some people need between 9 and 11 hours to feel rested)
  • Rare conditions that cause strong sleepiness no matter how long you sleep (such as narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia, neurological conditions that cause excessive daytime sleepiness)

If you often feel tired after sleeping, you should talk to a doctor.

When should I see a doctor about my sleep?

You should see a doctor about your sleep if:

  • You often feel tired even after enough sleep
  • You regularly have trouble falling or staying asleep
  • You snore loudly, gasp, pause in breathing, or have unusual movement during sleep
  • Sleeping partners notice you do these while you sleep

A sleep specialist can help find the cause and suggest treatment.

Take control of your sleep—schedule an appointment with a Mount Sinai sleep specialist

Can Wearables Really Monitor Your Heart Health? A Mount Sinai Cardiologist Explains

May 14, 2026 | Cardiology, Featured, Your Health

A female doctor and her male patient discuss data from the patient's smart watch, shown on his wrist. Data from his watch is displayed on his smart phone, which he is holding in his other hand

You have probably heard that wearable technologies like smartwatches can help you monitor your heart health. But do they really work, and how do you decide which is right for you?

In this Q&A, Matthew I. Tomey, MD, Associate Professor, Medicine (Cardiology), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, says they can be useful, with a few things to keep in mind. He discusses what features to look for and why it’s important to talk to your cardiologist before you decide on a device.

<img class="wp-image-253770 " src="/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/ax107_4211_9.tomey_.250×320.jpg" alt="A portrait of Mount Sinai cardi

Preparing for Medicine Through Research, Service, and Community at Mount Sinai

Updated on May 19, 2026 | Featured, School

A portrait of Daarayan Halatai in the lab at Mount Sinai

Daaryan Halatai

Daaryan Halatai is a first year student in the Master of Science in Biomedical Science (MSBS) program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

In this Q&A, he explains why he chose Mount Sinai and how his training program is preparing him to apply to medical school.

“My time at Mount Sinai has been a meaningful experience that has strengthened my passion for medicine and allowed me to be part of a community committed to caring for patients,” he says.

What is your academic and career background?

I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2024 with a major in Professional Sciences, concentrating in Biology, and a minor in Psychology. During my time at VCU, I built a strong foundation across different areas of science and applied that knowledge through summer research in the laboratory of Lauren Cowart, PhD. I was also involved with organizations such as the American Chemical Society at VCU, where I participated in weekly discussions and activities related to chemistry principles. Before enrolling at Mount Sinai, I worked as a clinical technician in the Emergency Department at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital in Fairfax, Virginia, which gave me valuable hands-on experience in the medical field.

What first attracted you to this field?

What attracted me to the medical field is my desire to help people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I have always been drawn to science and medicine because they give an understanding of disease on a deeper level while combining problem-solving, compassion, and lifelong learning. To me, the medical field is a place where I can serve others, continue growing as a student of science, and make a meaningful impact.

Why did you choose to study at the Icahn School of Medicine?

After graduating from VCU, I wanted to strengthen my medical school application by continuing to grow academically while gaining more research and clinical experience. When I first spoke with Program Director Jose Silva, PhD, about the MSBS program, he explained that the Icahn School of Medicine would provide the opportunities I was looking for, including shadowing physicians, participating in research, and earning a graduate degree in Biomedical Sciences. When I visited the campus for the first time, I was inspired by seeing physicians, nurses, researchers, and students all working within the same environment. That sense of community reflected the type of academic and clinical setting I had hoped to be part of since committing to my goal of becoming a physician.

Who are your mentors, and what is the focus of your research?

At Mount Sinai, I am under the mentorship of Louis Cohen, MD, alongside Daniela Guisado, MD, Kushal Saha, PhD, Salima Soualhi, PhD, and Katherine Cook. Dr. Cohen leads the Crohn’s Disease Stem Cell Transplant Program at Mount Sinai, which is designed for patients with severe Crohn’s disease who have not responded to traditional medical treatments. As the first program of its kind in the United States, it brings together specialists from both clinical and basic science departments. The program combines advanced patient care with translational research to help guide patients through the stem cell transplantation process. Through this work, our lab aims to better understand refractory Crohn’s disease and how stem cell transplants may improve treatment for these patients.

What has been your greatest accomplishment in the program so far?

My biggest accomplishment in the program has been excelling in my graduate course classes while also participating and being a part of organizations such as the East Harlem Health Outreach Partnership (EHHOP) and being the master’s representative for SEOS (Students for Equal Opportunity in Science)!

What activities outside the classroom have contributed to your success?

On my breaks when I get to go back to Northern Virginia to spend time with my family, I also volunteer with Great Vibe Events. This has contributed to my personal growth and success by allowing me to help organize events for adults with disabilities aged 18 and older. Through this experience, I have strengthened my communication, empathy, and leadership skills while learning the importance of creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. As someone pursuing a future in healthcare, this volunteer work has helped me become more compassionate and committed to serving diverse communities.

What are your plans after you complete your MSBS?

My plan after graduating from the MSBS program is to apply to medical and osteopathic schools. I also hope I can remain involved in Dr. Cohen’s research. Through my experience at Mount Sinai, I feel more prepared and confident as I enter my first application cycle.

Learn more about the MSBS program a the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Voices From the Class of 2026 at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai’s Commencement

May 12, 2026 | Featured, School

Families and friends of the class of 2026 of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai filed into the David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center on Tuesday, May 5, to celebrate one thing: Commencement for the graduating class.

The Icahn School of Medicine granted a total of 192 degrees at the 57th Commencement: 110 MD, 54 PhD, 16 MD/PhD, 4 MD/MPH, and 8 MD/MSCR.

It takes courage for the many medical and graduate students to make it through school, and it will take much more as they embark on their next steps of residency and postdoctoral training, said Eric J. Nestler, MD, PhD, the Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of the Icahn School of Medicine, speaking to the audience.

“For scientists, that means being courageous in tackling the most complicated scientific questions facing humanity,” said Dr. Nestler. “Courageous in not being intimidated by failures or by the enormity of bold and risky undertakings.

“For physicians, that means being courageous in assuming responsibility for your patients’ health, even when confronting the most difficult cases,” Dr. Nestler added. “And being courageous and compassionate in comforting patients and their families when you do not have an answer, when there is no cure, and sometimes not even a treatment.”

The road ahead might be fraught, but the Icahn School graduates are well-prepared to navigate obstacles and ultimately improve society, said Brendan G. Carr, MD, MA, MS, Chief Executive Officer of the Mount Sinai Health System. “I think you will discover. I know you will cure. And decrease health disparities and make the world a better place,” he said. “And I know we’re going to take credit for it because we trained you. And we’re almost as proud of you as your parents are in the back.”

The Commencement student speakers echoed sentiments of optimism for the future, but also acknowledged what it takes to get there.

“If I had to name the first theme of tonight, it would be this: gratitude,” said graduating student Katrina Nietsch, who represented the MD class. “Gratitude for the patients who trusted us before we had earned it—who let us fumble through our first histories and physicals, who answered our questions with grace, who shared their stories.” She called on the graduating class to be proud of what they have achieved, and to be hopeful for what is to come.

“We tend to focus on the first or last author and forget the most important scientists of all: ‘et al.’” said graduating student Nesteene Param, who represented the PhD class. “All of us have been ‘et al.’ We have all contributed to meaningful ideas and pushed them forward. Every person in this room, and every scientist we acknowledge in our work, has spent thousands of hours building the knowledge that drives our projects.”

The slideshow below gathers the stories of six graduating students on what it was like being at the Icahn School of Medicine, and what advice they would give their past selves or future students.

Matthew Challman, MD, PhD

Next step: Neurology residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital

What was it like starting at the Icahn School of Medicine?

It was 2018. It was very exciting to come here to finally take the next step, to be involved in medicine and research, to do something that I had wanted to do for a really long time.

What was it like going through your program during the pandemic?

I had just finished our first year of medical school, and as I was starting the PhD part of my program, COVID-19 hit. It was a stressful time, being isolated. But I also got to really experience how medicine and research could improve and impact the world. I got to see that through the discoveries and advances made during the pandemic.

Any advice you would give your first-year self?

Just drink it all in. It’s a long journey. It will be a hard journey at times, but it’s a really exciting experience.

Jessica Crowley, MD, PhD

Next step: Neurology residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital

What was it like starting at the Icahn School?

It was so overwhelming and exciting. You’re meeting so many new people. You’re about to start a whole new career journey. I remember my White Coat Ceremony, and it was so special to have my old friends there, family, and also new friends. And now, I’m at the end of this journey, and I get to call those new friends my “old friends” and start the next phase.

What was it like transitioning back to MD training after your PhD?

It was very challenging going from the PhD years back to medical school. It felt like I had lost almost all of the clinical knowledge I had built in the first years, but the residents, attendings, and my medical school peers were so supportive in making that transition smooth.

Any advice you would give your first-year self?

Have fun! M1 is your time to explore. The world is your oyster to have every new experience.

Lauren Dierdorff, PhD in Neuroscience

Next step: An associate focusing on biotech and life sciences at an investment bank

What was it like starting at the Icahn School?

I started in August 2020, so it was pretty intense due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Right away, I made some really good friends with my cohort, plus I had already been at Mount Sinai previously for a summer program, so I knew some people already. It felt like my home away from home.

Who helped inspire you when faced with challenges?

I am in neuroscience, and in science, experiments fail—most of them. I just kept pursuing my goals, and learned from my lab mates, my cohort mates, and my mentors. They taught me to keep on persevering.

Any advice you would give your first-year self?

You will face the impostor syndrome, but know that it is not real. You can do it; you have all the resources and people supporting you. And one day, you’ll be here: at Commencement!

Sunjay Letchuman, MD

Next step: Anesthesiology residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital

What was it like starting at the Icahn School?

I was the only person in my class from Louisiana, and I studied business in college. I remembered being uncertain about whether or not I would fit into my very accomplished class. But as soon as I got to Mount Sinai, I realized that everyone was treated as an equal here. It didn’t matter whether you came from a small school or an Ivy League school, everyone started at ground zero together. I remember being really comforted by that camaraderie.

A cherished memory during your time in school?

On my first day in New York City, I didn’t know anyone at Mount Sinai. That night, I went to the gym at Aron Hall and decided to introduce myself to one other person there. His name was Christos, a PhD student from Cyprus. When I told him I was hoping to meet people, he was incredibly warm and welcoming and even invited me to a Mount Sinai social event he was helping organize in Central Park the next day. The event introduced me to dozens of fellow students, and my friendship with Christos only grew from there. We ended up living in Aron Hall for three years until he completed his PhD. He’s now in Boston, so we’ll be in the same city when I start residency!

Any important lesson you’ve learned about becoming a doctor?

The most important thing about becoming a doctor is building trust with patients, so that they will allow you to walk alongside them on their journey toward recovery. Building trust with patients first requires competence. You have to study really hard to learn thousands of medical concepts, so you have the knowledge to help people when they’re hurt. And the second part about building trust is being kind and empathetic toward various patients’ experiences. You want to be able to walk a mile in your patient’s shoes. I’m grateful that Mount Sinai taught me how to become a competent, kind, and compassionate doctor.

Farimata (Fari) Mbaye-Rolph, MD

Next step: Anesthesiology residency at Weill Cornell Medicine

What was it like starting at the Icahn School?

First year, I remember being so scared. I was so nervous that it was going to be too much, and that I wasn’t going to have time for friends. I was then surprised by the wonderful community and the flexibility of the classes. It was a really cool time to be learning the things that I had wanted to learn since I was five years old, when I knew I wanted to become a doctor.

A moment where you overcame a tough time in school?

It was during my third-year rotations, it was February—deep winter—and I’m from the south, so I’m not a person who enjoys the cold. I was on my pediatric rotation, getting up super early, going home, studying, my dog was sick—everything was stacking up and crashing down on me at once. But I made it with the support of my husband and friends, who picked me up, as well as a wonderful conference that reinspired me and reminded me why I love medicine. By May, I was back on my feet. Those were a tough couple of months when I really had to lean on the people who knew me the best and cared about me.

Any advice you would give your first-year self?

Enjoy it more. Enjoy the company of people around you more. Enjoy the experiences more. Spend 10 extra minutes with that patient. Spend 10 extra minutes with that friend. The first year is a beautiful time in our lives that we will never have again. Live in that moment, and stop worrying so much.

Jeury Veloz, PhD in Biomedical Sciences

Next step: Microbiology postdoctoral fellow at the Icahn School of Medicine

What was it like starting at the Icahn School?

My first year at the Icahn School of Medicine was one of resource discovery and learning about my interests in research in biomedical sciences—in infectious diseases specifically. I started in 2019, during the pandemic, so it was a really interesting time for students like myself studying virology. It was a very unique experience that I look fondly upon.

What were some challenging periods during your time in school?

In the beginning, it was adjusting to life as a student during the pandemic. Then throughout the PhD years, there were challenges in research where you had hiccups throughout. But with the help of my mentors and peers, I was able to overcome the challenges to get me to the point where I am graduating today.

Any advice you would give your first-year self?

Have an open mind and really put yourself out there. Make yourself uncomfortable if you have to. Put yourself in labs and experiences within the school that you might not have thought to experience previously. Put yourself out there to learn more and grow as a student.

Navigate with the arrows to learn more about the Class of 2026 and their time in medical and graduate school.