APAO Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology

APAO Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology To promote the utilization of PAs in the delivery of the best possible care available to people with cancer and related diseases

The APAO is a non-profit specialty organization affiliated with the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) that consists of PAs working in the field of oncology. It is the only national organization representing PAs specializing in oncology. Our members practice in both clinical and research settings. The APAO boards of directors meets annually at the AAPA national conference and communicate throughout the year. The APAO holds an annual conference to educate health care professionals about oncology principles, current practices and new developments. The APAO awards an annual scholarship to a PA student that is interested in pursuing a career in oncology.

✨ A New Year. A Renewed Commitment. ✨As we begin a new year, APAO is inviting our oncology community to reflect:What’s y...
01/07/2026

✨ A New Year. A Renewed Commitment. ✨

As we begin a new year, APAO is inviting our oncology community to reflect:

What’s your professional New Year’s resolution?

Perhaps it’s:
• Being more present at the bedside
• Advancing clinical research
• Mentoring the next generation of oncology professionals
• Prioritizing your own well-being
• Innovating how cancer care is delivered

Cancer care continues to evolve because you do. Every intention—large or small—helps shape our profession and our patients’ futures.

💬 Share one goal you’re bringing into this year in the comments and inspire the community.

Wishing our entire APAO community a wonderful holiday season filled with warmth, peace, and moments of joy. ✨A special t...
12/24/2025

Wishing our entire APAO community a wonderful holiday season filled with warmth, peace, and moments of joy. ✨

A special thank you to all the providers working through the holidays — your dedication, compassion, and commitment make a profound difference. You continue to show up for patients and families when it matters most, bringing comfort, care, and hope during this season and beyond.

We are grateful for all that you do. 💜





December is Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Month 💜A reminder of how inflammatory bowel disease intersects with cancer risk ...
12/10/2025

December is Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Month 💜

A reminder of how inflammatory bowel disease intersects with cancer risk and cancer care.
For oncology APPs, several key considerations stand out:
🔍 Elevated Colorectal Cancer Risk
Long-standing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis significantly increase the risk of colorectal cancer. These patients benefit from risk-stratified surveillance, earlier colonoscopy intervals, and multidisciplinary management—especially when symptoms evolve.
⚡ IBD & Immunotherapy
Patients with pre-existing IBD may face a higher incidence of immune checkpoint inhibitor–related colitis, which can be severe. Early recognition of flare vs. ICI-toxicity, prompt stool studies, timely steroids/biologics when indicated, and early GI involvement are critical to safe treatment.
💡 The APP Role
APPs are central to identifying red flags, managing chronic symptoms amid cancer therapy, counseling on surveillance, and coordinating care across oncology, GI, surgery, and primary care. Our vigilance directly improves safety and outcomes for this complex population.

Today is Women’s Brain Health Day — December 2Women experience higher rates of cognitive disorders, and cancer treatment...
12/02/2025

Today is Women’s Brain Health Day — December 2

Women experience higher rates of cognitive disorders, and cancer treatments—including chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy—can further affect cognition, mood, and stroke risk. Lifestyle factors such as nutrition, sleep, and physical activity also play a meaningful role in supporting brain health during treatment and survivorship.

Women’s Brain Health Day is a powerful reminder that brain health is central to whole-person oncology. It underscores the need for early evaluation, equitable access to screening, and research that reflects women’s unique biology—including differences in tumor behavior, treatment response, and long-term brain health.

Gastric Cancer Awareness Month — November 2025Stomach cancer and its treatments can cause significant physical and emoti...
11/29/2025

Gastric Cancer Awareness Month — November 2025

Stomach cancer and its treatments can cause significant physical and emotional side effects. Oncology PAs support patients by educating them about what to expect, encouraging them to speak up about symptoms, and helping manage side effects so they feel more informed, supported, and in control.

In the U.S. (2025 estimates):
• 30,300 new stomach cancer cases
• 10,780 deaths
• ~1.5% of all new cancers each year

Common signs & symptoms include:
Poor appetite · Unintentional weight loss · Abdominal pain · Heartburn, nausea, indigestion or vomiting · Feeling full after small meals

Gastric Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder to elevate education, support early detection, and advocate for equitable access to care.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death for both men and women. While smoking is a major risk fact...
11/25/2025

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death for both men and women. While smoking is a major risk factor, lung cancer can affect anyone—regardless of age, background, or smoking history.

This November, we’re focusing on awareness, early detection, and support for everyone impacted by this disease.

What to know:
• Low-dose CT scans save lives – Adults ages 50–80 with a significant smoking history may qualify for annual screening.
• Symptoms can be subtle – A persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss should be discussed with your care team.
• Risk isn’t just smoking – Secondhand smoke, radon, family history, and air pollution can also increase risk.
• No stigma belongs here – Lung cancer can happen to anyone. Every patient deserves compassion, dignity, and support.

This month, we honor the fighters, survivors, caregivers, and the loved ones we’ve lost—while reminding our communities that awareness and early detection truly make a difference.

Together, we can change the story of lung cancer. 🤍🫁

11/21/2025

World Great American Smokeout is a reminder that one decision can change the course of someone’s health.

As oncology PAs, we care for many people who have smoked or currently smoke, and we strongly recommend quitting at any stage of life or diagnosis. It is never too late to see meaningful benefits—from improved treatment tolerance to better overall health and quality of life.

If you or someone you love is thinking about quitting, here are a few places to start:
- Talk with your oncology or primary care team about medications and ni****ne replacement options
- Reach out to a quitline or support program for structured help
- Ask family or friends to be part of your support system

You do not have to do this alone, and quitting does not have to be perfect to be successful. Every cigarette not smoked is a win.

World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day 💜Know the signs, understand your tumor type, and take confident first steps after ...
11/21/2025

World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day 💜

Know the signs, understand your tumor type, and take confident first steps after diagnosis.

Common signs and symptoms can include: ascites, abdominal or back pain, digestive problems, jaundice, unexplained weight loss, blood clots, and diabetes.

Types of pancreatic cancer ⬇️
The pancreas has two main cell types, and treatment depends on which is involved:

• Exocrine cells (~95% of the pancreas): make and release digestive enzymes into the duodenum. These most often become pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

• Endocrine cells (~5% of the pancreas): release hormones into the bloodstream. These most often become islet cell tumors, pancreatic endocrine neoplasms, or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Knowing your tumor type is crucial—it directly influences treatment options and prognosis.

To learn more and explore patient resources, visit .

If you or a loved one is newly diagnosed, here are key steps to discuss with your care team:
• Understand your exact diagnosis and stage
• Ask about germline genetic testing (inherited cancer risk)
• Ask about somatic tumor testing (tumor-specific mutations)
• Get organized: meet your team, involve your family, keep records in one place
• Focus on what you can control—including your emotional and mental health

These are the incredible Nurse Practitioners of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Bo...
11/14/2025

These are the incredible Nurse Practitioners of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA — Melissa Smith, Hannah McGoldrick, Jennifer Falb, and Kim Duarte. 💙

During Nurse Practitioner Week, we’re proud to recognize this exceptional team for the expertise, compassion, and dedication they bring to patients and families every single day. From navigating complex treatment plans to providing education, emotional support, and advocacy, they are at the heart of high-quality GI cancer care.

Thank you, Melissa, Hannah, Jennifer, and Kim, for all that you do for your patients, your colleagues, and the GI Cancer Center. We’re grateful for you today and every day. 💙

Take a moment to open the Fall 2025 newsletter to see what we achieved this year and what’s coming next.Inside you’ll fi...
11/12/2025

Take a moment to open the Fall 2025 newsletter to see what we achieved this year and what’s coming next.

Inside you’ll find:
Year-in-review: programs, impact, milestones
Upcoming education & events
Member spotlights + ways to get involved
Save-the-dates and key deadlines

Missing the email? Update your member profile or contact admin@apao.cc

APAO 2026 EXHIBITOR PROSPECTUS IS HERE!Showcase your innovations to oncology decision-makers at the 29th Annual Oncology...
11/11/2025

APAO 2026 EXHIBITOR PROSPECTUS IS HERE!

Showcase your innovations to oncology decision-makers at the 29th Annual Oncology Symposium. All opportunities—including Non-CME Product Theater Breakfast and Luncheon—are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

To request the official PDF prospectus or for questions, please email admin@apao.cc

We look forward to partnering with you to advance oncology education and patient care.

Neuroendocrine Tumor Day — November 10Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are uncommon, often slow-growing neoplasms that most ...
11/10/2025

Neuroendocrine Tumor Day — November 10

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are uncommon, often slow-growing neoplasms that most frequently arise in the gastrointestinal tract and lungs, but can occur elsewhere (e.g., pancreas, liver, adrenal). Early recognition and accurate grading matter.

• Functional vs. non-functional: Functional NETs secrete hormones and cause hormone-related symptoms; non-functional NETs do not secrete hormones but can still impair organ function.
• Carcinoid syndrome: Flushing, diarrhea, cramping, and/or wheezing—often associated with serotonin-secreting tumors.
• Symptoms vary by site: Abdominal pain, bowel changes/obstruction, cough or wheeze, or incidental imaging findings.
• Classification: Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) include well-differentiated NET and poorly differentiated NEC; biology can evolve with changes in grade, mitotic rate, and Ki-67.

If you have persistent flushing/diarrhea or unexplained abdominal or respiratory symptoms, talk with your clinician about evaluation.

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