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Critical Policy Priorities for Breast Cancer Care in California

​In 2018, over 29,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in California and an estimated 4,500 will die of the disease. Yet patients and survivors continue to face serious economic, emotional and structural barriers to care, all while balancing family and work obligations. In this March 19 seminar, key findings were released from a two-year Center study of the obstacles breast cancer patients face accessing care in California. Study authors Ninez Ponce, associate Center director, and researcher AJ Scheitler discussed three of the most pressing obstacles: 1) A need for patient navigators to help breast cancer survivors understand and access services; 2) A lack of continuity of care within the complex system of providers, support services and insurance requirements, and; 3) The particular obstacles facing low-income women, including narrow provider networks and time limits on coverage. Please join us for this critical discussion of how California can better extend life-saving, life-extending treatments and services that enhance quality of life for survivors of this highly-prevalent disease.

Speakers

Ninez A. Ponce

Ninez A. Ponce

Center Director, UCLA Center for Health Policy Research

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AJ Scheitler

AJ Scheitler

Director of Development, Engagement, and Strategic Planning

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Upcoming Events

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Webinar // 12:00 PM — 1:00 PM

California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) Annual Data Release

The mental and physical health effects of the 2025 wildfires. Hate targeting immigrants. Barriers to healthcare. Food insecurity. What do the latest data reveal about the experiences shaping life and health in California, and who was affected most? Join the UCLA CHPR on Thursday, October 15, as we share the 2025 findings from the annual California Health Interview Survey (CHIS).

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Tuesday, November 17, 2026

// 9:00 AM — 4:00 PM

2026 E.R. Brown Symposium — Nourishing the Future: Reimagining Nutrition Security in an Era of Change

Join us on Tuesday, November 17, for the 2026 E.R. Brown Symposium, Nourishing the Future: Reimagining Nutrition Security in an Era of Change, being held in person in Sacramento. With changes in federal nutrition and social service programs, California stands at a crossroads. This event will bring together experts and changemakers to explore how the state can respond to growing challenges and help close gaps in access to nutritious food.

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