Following an iterative and thoughtful three-year strategic planning process, the Public Affairs and Marketing Network has adopted a new name: the Cancer Marketing and Communications Association, or CMCA. The change, announced May 20 at the 2025 NACCDO-PAMN Annual Conference, more accurately reflects the organization’s membership, services and future growth opportunities.
“This change aligns more closely with our position as the premier association for communications and marketing professionals in the oncology industry. It also reflects the diverse group of professionals practicing within the industry, showing our commitment to a broad range of specialties and disciplines within cancer care and research,” said CMCA Chair Christine Thomas, senior director of public relations, communications and strategic partnerships at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.
The Public Affairs Network was founded more than 30 years ago to bring together public affairs professionals at National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers and member cancer centers of the Association of American Cancer Institutes. It has broadened its membership over the years to include marketing, web, social media and physician relations functions. In 2017, marketing was added to the name.
In 2020, the CMCA steering committee, recognizing the field’s changing landscape, began a strategic planning process to identify where the organization was headed. The process revealed an opportunity to create better alignment between the organization’s members, function and name.
CMCA’s primary focus remains the same: to represent, support and connect multidisciplinary professionals in cancer marketing and communications, ensuring that members have access to the knowledge and networking necessary to share the future of cancer research and care. In addition, CMCA will work to collectively address critical issues that impact members and the oncology field at large.
CMCA partnered with Casual Astronaut, a Phoenix-based content marketing firm, to bring the refreshed brand, logo and messaging to life. As part of the transition, a new CMCA website will launch in late July, providing a more user-friendly and intuitive experience, with improved navigation and tools for members to connect and collaborate.
“Partnering with CMCA to establish the new name, branding and updated website for the organization wasn’t just about creating a fresh look — it was about creating a platform that better reflects the evolution of the organization and the expertise and impact of its members,” said Kyle Crafton, CEO of Casual Astronaut. “Having worked with several CMCA member institutions over the years on similar efforts, our agency understands and values the important work CMCA supports. We are proud to collaborate with the steering committee to ensure that the new branding reflects the energy, professionalism and vision of this important community.”
Along with the new brand, CMCA plans to implement increased year-round programming to keep members informed and engaged through webinars, affinity groups and partner presentations.
Engage with CMCA via Facebook, X, LinkedIn and new on Instagram.