The Real Cost of Cancer: Financial Toxicity, Transportation Challenges, and Access Gaps

In this episode of Oncology Unscripted, hosts Mark Liu and Deirdre Saulet speak with Karen Winkfield, MD, PhD, a radiation oncologist and Associate Director of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, about her decades-long passion for community outreach and engagement to bring curative cancer treatment to underserved populations. Dr. Winkfield discusses the heavy financial burden of cancer and the need for policymakers and institutions to truly care for and prioritize the health of the American people. She also emphasizes the importance of "asset mapping" for healthcare administrators to take stock of the resources at their disposal and going out into the community to speak directly with people about what needs are not being met. "Policy is important for thinking about how we move the needle forward in cancer care. But it's not just policy on the national level or at the state level; it's actually institutional policy as well. And that's where access to care becomes personal for providers...What are the things that we can do as oncologists or...healthcare administrators to really ensure that we're taking good care of the communities we say we're there for?" – Karen Winkfield, MD, PhD Guest: Karen Winkfield, MD, PhD Radiation Oncologist Associate Director Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Nashville, Tennessee To submit a topic of discussion to the podcast, please email [email protected] and [email protected].   The 2026 Oncology Unscripted series is exclusively sponsored by Advarra. Resources A Call to Reimagine Community Engagement and Equity in Cancer Shared Solutions for Rural Oncology: Insights Across the Americas Spirituality and Cultural Humility: Core Components of Comprehensive Palliative Care 2026 ACCC Innovator Award Winner: Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center