Heather Bittner Fagan, M.D., MPH, Recognized as National Cancer Prevention Champion

Heather Bittner Fagan, M.D., MPH, FAAFP, a family medicine physician, researcher and national leader in cancer screening advocacy, has been named one of six inaugural “Check for Cancer Champions” by Aflac, for her commitment to advancing early detection and preventive care.

The recognition, from Aflac health insurance company, highlights individuals across the country who are working to raise awareness about the importance of regular cancer screenings and early detection.

As part of the Check for Cancer Champions program, Aflac makes a $5,000 donation in each honoree’s name to a cancer-related nonprofit. Fagan has selected the Friends of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, a volunteer organization that supports cancer research, patient care programs and community education on prevention and early detection.

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Fagan, who serves as medical director of Clinical Prevention, has spent more than two decades caring for patients, with a particular focus on underserved communities. She has made significant regional and national contributions to research on cancer screening in primary care settings and among vulnerable populations. She is deeply engaged in community outreach and education efforts to improve cancer prevention and screening rates.

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A thought leader in cancer prevention, Fagan is a professor of Family Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University. She also serves as a consultant to the American Cancer Society on lung cancer screening guidelines and has published extensively on topics related to early detection and population health.

“Each of our honorees has used their voice, expertise or experience to encourage others to prioritize preventive care, and we are grateful for the impact they are making in their communities and fields. That is the very definition of being a champion,” said Virgil Miller, president of Aflac Incorporated and Aflac U.S.