By Arunima Rajan

Kristin Higgins, M.D., is chief clinical officer for City of Hope? Cancer Center Atlanta, where she oversees clinical care and hospital operations. Dr. Higgins — who was inspired to pursue medicine by her mother’s career as a nurse — also holds the position of professor of radiation oncology, with a particular focus on lung cancer.

Prior to joining City of Hope, Dr. Higgins spent 15 years at Emory University, where she built an international reputation as a lung cancer expert, developing numerous clinical trials focused on combination radiotherapy treatments for patients with non-small cell and small cell lung cancer. Her many research leadership positions include serving as principal investigator of NRG/Alliance LU005, an international, phase 3 clinical trial investigating the use of immunotherapy alongside standard chemoradiation for lung cancer patients.

After earning her medical degree at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Dr. Higgins completed an internship in internal medicine and a residency in radiation oncology, both at Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina, which named her chief resident. She then moved to Atlanta, where she spent 15 years at Emory University, earning an international reputation for her expertise in lung cancer.

 Dr. Higgins is a member of multiple boards and committees in the lung cancer advocacy community, including the National Lung Cancer Roundtable Survivorship Task Group and the NRG Oncology Lung Cancer Core Committee. She has also co-chaired the World Conference on Lung Cancer and is the author of more than 100 peer-reviewed publications. Her work has been recognized by numerous awards, including the ASCO Bradley Stuart Beller Foundation Merit Award, the Radiological Society of America’s Roentgen Resident/Fellow Research Award and Emory’s Clinic Gold Provider.

In this interview with Healthcare Executive Magazine, Dr Higgins says that there is a real and concerning increase in cancer diagnoses among younger adults.

Is there an increase in the prevalence of cancer among youngsters today?

Yes, we are seeing a real and concerning increase in cancer diagnoses among younger adults. This trend is one reason colorectal cancer screening guidelines were lowered from age 50 to 45, as more cases are being identified in people under 50, often at later stages. Recent data from the American Cancer Society also shows that women under age 50 now have a significantly higher risk of developing cancer compared to men of the same age, underscoring the importance of early detection, timely diagnosis and getting patients into treatment as quickly as possible so outcomes remain positive.

Is stigma still a major barrier for cancer care?

Stigma is still a significant barrier for many cancer patients, particularly when fear, misinformation, or shame delay people from seeking care or asking questions. Some patients worry about being judged, treated differently, or defined by their diagnosis, which can prevent early detection and timely treatment. Our role as providers is to replace fear with facts, move quickly to diagnosis and staging, and reassure patients that cancer is something we treat together with a clear plan and strong support, not something they have to face alone.

What are the major advances in cancer care today, that saves lives, compared to five years ago?

One of the biggest advances has been in early detection, including the development of blood-based tests that can identify cancer related biomarkers and help monitor for recurrence after treatment. We have also made major progress in immunotherapy and targeted therapies, which have significantly improved survival rates in cancers like lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer related death in the U.S. In addition, newer treatments such as cellular therapies that are beginning to expand beyond blood cancers into solid tumors, opening the door to even more options for patients.

How important is community support for a cancer patient?

Community support can truly be the difference between life and death for someone going through cancer treatment. Treating cancer is not just about addressing the disease itself but caring for the whole person, including their emotional, financial and logistical needs. Support from community organizations, faith groups, food banks and transportation services helps remove barriers to care, especially for patients who struggle to get to appointments or afford daily necessities while in treatment.

Is treatment still inexpensive for many patients?

Unfortunately, cancer treatment remains expensive and is becoming less affordable for many patients. Rising insurance premiums and out of pocket costs add financial stress to an already overwhelming diagnosis and can impact treatment decisions. These realities make it even more important to connect patients with resources, financial counseling and community support early in the care process.

What is the one technology that you think will bring major improvement in cancer care in the next ten years?

Radiopharmaceuticals are one of the most promising emerging technologies in cancer care. These targeted radioactive therapies travel throughout the body and deliver treatment directly to cancer cells while limiting damage to healthy tissue. They are already being used in cancers such as prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors, and many more applications are expected to gain approval in the coming years, potentially transforming how we treat cancer.

About City of Hope

Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center that is ranked among the nation’s top cancer centers by U.S. News & World Report at its core, City of Hope’s uniquely integrated model spans cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and a broad philanthropy program that powers its work. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, Orange County, California, campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix areas. City of Hope’s affiliated group of organizations includes Translational Genomics Research Institute and AccessHopeTM. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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Cancer is getting younger. The bills aren't getting smaller.