Highlights of MASCC 2025: Occupational Health, Financial Toxicity, and Patient Advocacy With Jasmin Hundal, MD, MS, MPH
Expert Perspectives · Keira Smith · 2025-08-04
The 2025 Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Annual Meeting brought together clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates from around the globe to discuss the latest in supportive oncology care. After returning, Dr. Jasmin Hundal, a Hematology/Oncology Fellow at the Cleveland Clinic and OncData Editorial Board member, sat down to share her insights from the conference, highlighting key themes in occupational health, financial toxicity, and the growing role of patient advocacy.
Click the button to subscribe to our emails, including the Monthly Newsletter and more!
Occupational Health: Bridging the Gap in Cancer Care
Dr. Hundal presented her own research on clinician practices and attitudes regarding occupational health discussions with cancer patients. She emphasized that cancer is not just a medical diagnosis—it impacts every aspect of a patient’s life, including employment and financial stability. “For many patients, maintaining employment during and after treatment isn’t just a practical necessity; it’s also deeply tied to their sense of normalcy, purpose, and wellbeing,” she explained.
Her survey-based study found that while over 90% of clinicians engage in conversations about patients’ work situations, only a minority regularly recommend workplace modifications such as reduced hours or formal accommodations. “Clinicians who frequently discuss employment were significantly more likely to recommend modifications, suggesting that these conversations are a gateway to actionable support,” Dr. Hundal noted. She called for structured education and clear referral pathways to occupational medicine, underscoring that integrating occupational health into routine cancer care is essential for patient wellbeing.
Financial Toxicity: A Modifiable Determinant of Cancer Outcomes
A major plenary session at MASCC 2025, led by Dr. Fumiko Chino, focused on the pervasive issue of financial toxicity in cancer care. Dr. Hundal recapped the session, highlighting the profound impact of financial distress on patients’ quality of life and survival. “Financial toxicity severely impacts the quality of life and social wellbeing. It’s strongly linked to bankruptcy, which increases post-cancer mortality risk by nearly 80%,” she shared.
The session outlined both patient-centered and system-based interventions, including early screening for financial distress, transparent cost discussions, prioritizing high-value care, and expanding access to telemedicine. Dr. Hundal was particularly struck by the innovative concept of a “financial toxicity tumor board” for coordinated support. “This was a very unique aspect that she presented,” Dr. Hundal said, emphasizing the need for policy-level changes such as paid sick leave and job protection.
Patient Advocacy and Other Key Themes
MASCC 2025 also stood out for its integration of patient advocacy into every session. Dr. Hundal described the value of having patient advocates present alongside clinicians, offering real-time feedback and perspective on clinical advancements. “It was very educational and informative to hear about the presentations from a patient’s perspective,” she remarked.
Other notable topics included exercise oncology, proactive symptom management, and a breakout session on skin toxicity during cancer treatment. “We were given some good proactive tips on giving recommendations to our patients,” Dr. Hundal said, highlighting the practical value of these sessions.
Key Takeaways
- Occupational health is a critical but under-addressed aspect of cancer care; regular, actionable conversations can improve patient outcomes.
- Financial toxicity is a modifiable determinant of health, requiring early intervention, transparent communication, and systemic support.
- Patient advocacy enriches clinical discussions, ensuring that care remains patient-centered and responsive to real-world needs.
- Proactive symptom management and attention to survivorship issues, such as exercise and dermatologic toxicity, are essential for comprehensive supportive care.
MASCC 2025 reinforced the importance of holistic, multidisciplinary approaches in oncology, with Dr. Hundal concluding, “Integrating supportive services into our clinical day-to-day care is not just optional—it’s essential.”
About Dr. Hundal
Jasmin Hundal, MD, MS, MPH, is a second-year Hematology/Oncology Fellow at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. Previously, she completed her Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Hundal’s main area of interest is the overlap between cardiometabolic health and cancer, particularly for breast cancer patients and survivors. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and hiking.