William G. Cance, MD
William G. Cance, MD, has been selected as he Chief Medical and Scientific Officer of the American Cancer Society (ACS). Dr. Cance will lead the integration of the ACS Research and Cancer Control departments, unifying its intramural and extramural research; prevention and early detection; patient and caregiver support and service strategies; global cancer control; and health systems engagement programs.
Since 2016, Dr. Cance has served as Deputy Director and, more recently, Interim Director of the University of Arizona Comprehensive Cancer Center. He was regarded there as a leader who established a culture of collaboration that advanced cancer care and treatment. He has also been Professor in the Departments of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Surgery for the University of Arizona Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy in Phoenix.
Dr. Cance has an active surgical oncology practice and is the Principal Investigator for a 25-year National Cancer Institute grant focused on focal adhesion kinase. He has also been an ACS grantee, holds eight patents, and has been involved in several entrepreneurial projects to bring his research advancements to market.
Prior to joining the University of Arizona, Dr. Cance held leadership positions at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the University of Florida, and the University of North Carolina. He earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; completed his residency in general surgery at Barnes Hospital/Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis; and completed a fellowship in surgical oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York. ■
