Dr. Sarah E. James Named President of the Coalition of Blacks Against Cancer
Dr. Sarah E. James, President, Coalition of Blacks Against Cancer
Renowned Mayo Clinic radiation oncologist to lead CBAC into its next chapter of advocacy
The Coalition of Blacks Against Cancer (CBAC) recently announced the appointment of Dr. Sarah E. James, MD, PhD, as its new President. Dr. James, a radiation oncologist at Mayo Clinic Arizona and a longtime member of the CBAC leadership team, brings vast clinical expertise and a passion for eliminating disparities in cancer outcomes to the role.
“CBAC is a trusted lifeline for patients, caregivers, and families,” said Dr. Sarah E. James. “As President, I am committed to expanding access to evidence-based education, prevention, and survivorship resources—while amplifying the voices of Black patients, caregivers, and survivors across Arizona and beyond.”
Dr. James completed her undergraduate studies at Johns Hopkins University and earned her medical and doctoral training at The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. She completed residency in Radiation Oncology at Mayo Clinic Rochester and practiced for several years in the Mayo Clinic Midwest Health System before being recruited to the Mayo Clinic Arizona practice in 2022. Her clinical expertise includes the treatment of breast, prostate, and gynecologic cancers, and her research focuses on reducing disparities, symptom intervention, and survivorship optimization.
“Dr. James is the right leader at the right time,” said Dr. Michele Halyard, Co-Founder and Immediate Past President of CBAC. “Her combination of clinical excellence, research vision, and community-centered leadership will elevate CBAC’s impact for years to come.”
As the organization celebrates 15 years of advocacy for cancer survivors and caregivers, as it envisions its future under Dr. James’ leadership, CBAC will prioritize:
Prevention & Early Detection: Targeted education and screening navigation for communities at highest risk.
Patient Support: Expanded survivor and caregiver programs, peer navigation, and culturally responsive resources.
Research & Outcomes: Partnerships that translate evidence into practice to improve quality of life and survivorship.
Community Voice: Storytelling and advocacy that reflect lived experience and drive policy and practice change.
From early detection initiatives and community screenings to survivor support groups and advocacy for health equity, CBAC has built a trusted legacy of hope and action. As the organization celebrates this milestone, it renews its commitment to reaching more individuals, providing more resources, and ensuring the next chapter continues to break barriers, save lives, and strengthen communities.
