Cancer and Aging Research Alliance

The Yale Cancer and Aging Research Alliance (Y-CARA)

We are excited to provide an update on The Yale Cancer and Aging Research Alliance (Y-CARA). Since our last newsletter in January, we have been actively pursuing funding to support our collective work. In May, researchers from Yale Cancer Center (YCC), Yale School of Medicine, Yale School of Public Health and our community partner from Agency on Aging submitted an application for an American Cancer Society Cancer Health Research Center (CHERC) program grant to formalize Y-CARA to become a Center housed at YCC. The Center’s vision is to ensure that every older adult receives cancer care aligned with their health, life circumstances, and personal goals, while reducing disparities. If awarded, ACS CHERC program funding would bring together experts in aging and cancer.

Featured Research

Predicting Individual Risk of Late-Age Skin Cancer

Dr. Douglas Brash, Senior Research Scientist in Therapeutic Radiology, shares research on Predicting Individual Risk of Late-Age Skin Cancer, and discussed why some people develop skin cancer later in life.

Left Behind: Surgical Cancer Care and Psychosocial Vulnerability

Dr. Ira Leeds, Assistant Professor of Surgery, presented research on how psychosocial and social risk factors affect outcomes for older adults undergoing cancer surgery.

Assessing Clinical and Social needs in the Geriatric Cancer Population

Dr. Cary Gross, Professor of Medicine and of Epidemiology, presented research on the challenges faced by older adults with cancer, focusing on both medical and social needs.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REPORT

Community Updates

Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) Retreat From Discovery to Community Impact

Date: November 20th, 2026

Time: 8:30AM - 4:00PM

Location: Yale West Campus, Conference Room A

Join researchers, faculty, trainees, community partners, and community members to explore how community engagement informs cancer research, strengthens partnerships, and catalyzes high-impact science. Through data, shared experiences, and real-world examples, participants will identify opportunities to advance community-engaged research and improve cancer equity.

Details to follow.

New Report Highlights Cancer Trends Across Connecticut

The 2026 Connecticut Catchment Area Profile provides valuable insights into cancer incidence and mortality across the state, helping to identify trends and disparities among different populations. Drawing on both state and national data, the report examines 14 types of cancer by race, ethnicity, and sex to better understand where gaps in care exist and how they can be addressed.

These findings support ongoing efforts by Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center to improve cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and health equity for communities throughout Connecticut. Whether you're a healthcare professional, caregiver, or community member, this report offers important information about the current landscape of cancer care in our state.

See Section 5 on the Cancer Burden Among Older Adults in Connecticut.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REPORT

Looking Ahead

In 2027, YCC will be launching a pilot grant initiative to support community-academic partnered research projects that aim to improve cancer care for our aging community.