The University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center is proud to host the Environmental Risks and Cancer Research Conference 2026, an interdisciplinary scientific meeting that brings together researchers, clinicians, public health professionals, community leaders, policymakers, and trainees to explore the relationship between environmental exposures and cancer outcomes.
The conference serves as a collaborative platform to share scientific evidence, highlight innovative methodologies, and discuss strategies aimed at improving cancer prevention, control, and health equity, particularly within environmentally vulnerable and underserved communities.
Through keynote lectures, scientific sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities, participants will engage in meaningful discussions that bridge research, practice, and policy.
About the Conference
This conference was developed in response to the growing need for interdisciplinary dialogue around the role of environmental exposures in cancer development and progression. Environmental factors such as pollution, occupational hazards, climate-related stressors, and social determinants continue to shape cancer risk and outcomes, especially in island and low-resource settings.
By convening experts from diverse fields, this meeting aims to strengthen collaboration, foster knowledge exchange, and promote actionable solutions that can be translated into research, policy, and practice.
Important Dates
Registration
opens
May 1st 2026
Call for Abstract
opens
May 1st 2026
Deadline for Abstract
submission
August 19th 2026
Scientific Program
The scientific program is designed to offer a comprehensive and engaging experience through a balanced combination of keynote presentations, thematic scientific sessions, panel discussions, and networking activities. Sessions will address both foundational and emerging topics related to cancer and environmental health. The program will span three days. The first day will focus on opening activities and plenary sessions led by invited speakers. The second day will include parallel scientific sessions, poster presentations, and interactive workshops. The final day will emphasize translation, policy implications, and future directions in cancer and environmental health research.
A detailed program agenda, including session titles and speakers, will be made available closer to the conference date.
Day’s Theme: Evidence on the intersection between environmental hazards and cancer
| 8:00 AM | Registration opens |
| 9:00 – 1:00 PM | Pre-Conference Workshop: Emerging Priorities: Exposure Assessment using Geospatial Data |
| 1:00 – 1:25 PM | Official Welcome and Opening Remarks |
| 1:25 – 2:00 PM | Plenary Session I: The Need for Environmental Oncology |
| 2:00 – 2:50 PM | Session I: Environmental Exposures and Pediatric Cancer |
| 2:50 – 3:10 PM | Networking Break |
| 3:10 – 4:25 PM | Session II: Carcinogenic Exposures in our Environment |
| 4:25 – 5:15 PM | Session III: PFAS and emerging links to cancer: A priority worldwide |
| 5:15 – 6:45 PM | Poster Session & Networking Event |
Day’s Theme: Cancer research into action: Integration of Environmental and Natural Hazards into Policy and Practice
| 7:30 AM | Registration opens |
| 8:30 – 9:05 AM | Plenary Session II: Natural Hazards and Environmental Determinants of Cancer Control |
| 9:05 – 10:15 AM | Session IV: Impact of Global Natural Hazards in Cancer Control Continuum |
| 10:15 – 10:30 AM | Networking Break |
| 10:30 – 11:45 AM | Session V: Communicating Environmental Risks: Integrating Communities into Cancer Research and Action |
| 11:45 – 1:15 PM | Lunch Break |
| 1:15 – 2:00 PM | Session VI: Emerging Scholars in Environmental Oncology |
| 2:00 – 3:15 PM | Session VII: Integrating Environmental Health Priorities across Cancer Control Efforts and Public Policy in the US and Globally |
| 3:15 – 3:35 PM | Official Closing |
| 3:35 – 4:00 PM | Final evaluation for Continuing Educational Credits |
Travel
The conference will take place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, a vibrant city that offers a unique combination of academic institutions, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. San Juan is easily accessible and provides a welcoming environment for international and domestic participants.
Airport
Participants may travel through Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), which offers direct flights from many major U.S. cities. Ground transportation options, including taxis and ride-share services, are readily available.
Hotel
Information on recommended hotels and special conference rates will be provided. Additional details regarding local transportation, weather, and visitor information will be shared to assist attendees in planning their stay.Call for Abstracts
The Scientific Committee invites the submission of original abstracts that address research, practice, or policy related to cancer and environmental health. Abstracts may reflect quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods approaches and should highlight innovative findings or approaches.
Submitted abstracts will undergo peer review and may be selected for poster or oral presentation. Accepted abstracts will be included in the official conference materials.
Abstracts should be written in English and limited to 250–300 words. Submissions should include a title, author information, institutional affiliations, and clearly defined sections describing the background, methods, results, and conclusions.
Key dates for abstract submission, notification of acceptance, and presentation guidelines are outlined below.
| Call for Abstract opens | May 1st 2026 |
| Deadline for Abstract submission | August 19th 2026 |
Contact us
For questions regarding conference registration, abstract submissions, program details, or logistics, please contact the conference coordination team.
Email: crtec@cccupr.org
Phone: +1 (787) 772-8300
Ext. 1304, 5280
P.O. Box 363027 San Juan, PR 00936
Phone: +1 (787) 772-8300 ext 1304, 5280