GUIDING THE FUTURE OF THE FOUNDATION: MEET CEO JODY HOYOS

The Prevent Cancer Foundation kicked off the year by revitalizing our mission and committing ourselves to a future world where cancer is preventable, detectable and beatable for all. With Jody Hoyos taking the helm as CEO, we are investing in new technologies and innovative ideas to make this vision a reality.

We sat down with Jody to discuss her new role, how she got her start in the industry and what’s next for the Prevent Cancer Foundation.

Your background in the health care environment is extensive. What led you to the Prevent Cancer Foundation?

In college, I had to write out all of my life goals and my path to get there. I stated that by 26 years old, I wanted to be working in a lab to find the cure for cancer. I had no family history of cancer and was an international business major; I was just always drawn to the health care industry and had no idea how to navigate my interest—we did not have the internet when I was in college!

Since then, I’ve come to appreciate every career experience I have had in the health care space. Through management consulting, I was able to better understand the connections between the insurance industry and the health care delivery system, the administrative aspects of providing care in the United States and the financial considerations that ultimately impact us all. From there, I had the opportunity to spend nearly 16 years working at a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the nurses who care for women, newborns and their families. Learning from nurses about the importance of being an advocate for patients and always considering the whole person as you approach an issue was a gift that helped me find my passion: changing our health system from one focused on disease to one focused on wellness. The Prevent Cancer Foundation is a pioneer in the wellness space, and I have great respect for the vision Bo Aldigé had when she started the Foundation 37 years ago. I wanted to be a part of the future of that work and find the cure for cancer in a way I never dreamed of: prevention.

After four years with the Foundation, what are you most proud of achieving?

There are hundreds of small and large achievements and lessons learned, but what I’m most proud of is being able to share in those moments. We have an incredible team at the Foundation. We’re fueled by people who donate to the Foundation and share their stories as well as by the passion of people working in the health care space who are genuinely interested in creating a world where cancer is preventable, detectable and beatable. I’m proud to be a part of this community and honored with the trust of leading this organization in partnership with the board.

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By Sarah Mahoney

The day I turned 45, my social media feeds were immediately peppered with ads for Cologuard and reminders to get screened for colorectal cancer. It made me giggle a bit—those ad demographics really work—but the seriousness of the message was not lost on me. As someone immersed almost daily in cancer prevention through my work as creative and brand director at the Prevent Cancer Foundation, I know that colorectal cancer is on the rise in younger adults.

When my health care provider mentioned the screening at my annual wellness visit and asked if I would like to have it, I immediately answered yes. She gave me the option to use an athome screening test or to have a colonoscopy. I chose the latter, knowing it gives an opportunity to find precancerous polyps (growths on the wall of the large intestine or rectum) and remove them then and there. I was given a referral and a list of local gastroenterologists—and so began my screening journey.

I found a specialist who was in my insurance network and made an appointment for a consultation. Within a week I met with the practice’s physician assistant (PA), who walked me through the prep and procedure after asking about my medical history and family health history. She kindly answered any lingering questions about what would happen and didn’t skimp on the details of what happens after you drink the prep. All that was left to do was make my appointment for the procedure. I was worried it would be several months out, but they had availability within the next couple of months. With thorough instructions and a prescription in hand for the infamous colonoscopy prep drink, I left feeling confident and ready to take it on.

The week before my procedure, I started to adjust my diet to reduce fiber, berries and nuts— all things that like to stick around in your colon. I gleefully indulged in white bread, mashed potatoes and white rice. Three days before my colonoscopy, I replaced my fruit intake with unsweetened applesauce and canned pears and kept my meals as plain as possible. The day before I was down to clear liquids only, which didn’t get tough until mid-afternoon. I cycled through chicken broth, green Jell-O (red, purple and blue colors can stain the walls of your colon and interfere with your results), apple juice and banana popsicles until it was time to drink my prep. I don’t need to go into details about what happened next—you know—but I will say it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I made sure to have a variety of clear beverages containing electrolytes on hand to recover and stay hydrated.

The following morning, I arrived at the practice a little tired and very thirsty—you have to fast before your procedure. Your provider will give you exact directions about when to begin fasting based on your appointment time. After changing into my gown, I was set up with an IV and wheeled into the procedure room. The doctor made sure to answer any final questions, and then it was time. The anesthesiologist positioned me on my side, began her count and then I was out.

After I woke up in recovery and shook off my grogginess, I was given some juice to drink. Once the nurses were assured I was fully awake and able to walk, I was escorted into an exam room to change and wait for the doctor. The doctor brought the film from my procedure and explained he had found and removed two polyps. I asked him what the situation would have been had I come in at age 50 (the previous recommended age to begin colorectal cancer screening for those of average risk). He said he wouldn’t have been able to treat the polyps during the colonoscopy, and I would have likely needed additional surgery and would have possibly been faced with a cancer diagnosis.

All of this really hit home, and the importance of following screening recommendations was suddenly so personal. My husband picked me up—you must have a ride after the procedure— and I went home to have a snack and rest easy. I had given myself the gift of a better outcome.

While I wasn’t thrilled to learn I had polyps, the relief of knowing I had taken preventive action absolutely squashed that feeling. If you are of screening age or have a family history of colorectal cancer—don’t wait! Meet with your health care provider and make a plan to get screened. Learn more about colorectal cancer and screening options at preventcancer.org/colorectal.

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What inspires you to come to work each day?

The smell of toast, the muted laughter coming from workspaces around the office and the entertaining banter in our team messages. The mission will always be the center of what we do, but I’m inspired by the people around me. Energy is contagious, both positive and negative. We choose positive, and after spending time more isolated than I think was mentally healthy during COVID, interacting with people whom I truly enjoy—online and in-person—is a gift I don’t take for granted.

What do you see for the future of the Foundation? What do you hope to accomplish?

At the Prevent Cancer Foundation, we’re dedicated to shifting the power from cancer and giving it to the people. All people. Because empowering all people means leaving no one behind, we are relentless in our pursuit of health equity and access for people in medically underserved communities. We can’t do that alone. The future of the Foundation will be built on innovative partnerships to provide education, advocate for access, reach people in all communities and conduct research to expand our understanding of prevention and early detection. Visit preventcancer.org and find @JodyHoyos and @preventcancer on social media to stay up to date with Jody and the Prevent Cancer Foundation.

Are you better about staying up to date on your car maintenance than your routine cancer screenings? If the answer is yes, you are not alone.

The Foundation’s first-annual Early Detection Survey released in January 2023 revealed that 65% of Americans of screening age aren’t up to date on at least one routine cancer screening.1 Survey participants cited not knowing they need to be screened (39%), not having symptoms (37%) and inability to afford the cost (31%) as top reasons for not being up to date. According to the data, most Americans are better about filing their taxes, renewing their car tags and getting their car’s oil changed than scheduling routine cancer screenings.

This February, the Prevent Cancer Foundation launched a new signature campaign, “Early Detection = Better Outcomes,” to educate Americans on what recommended cancer screenings and cancer-related vaccinations they need and to encourage them to schedule appointments.

The campaign offers easy-to-use resources to help get you started, such as the screenings you need at every age, tools to find free and low-cost cancer screenings and information on how your family health history can impact your cancer risk. A new interactive tool delivers a personalized screening plan that you can take with you to the doctor’s office. You can even book your next appointment directly on our website.

You don’t need to wait for symptoms to check your health through cancer screening tests. Be proactive—just like you are with your car maintenance. Routine screening can detect cancer early (before signs or symptoms appear). Early detection of cancer can mean less extensive treatment, more treatment options and better chances of survival.

Check your health and discover better outcomes at preventcancer.org/betteroutcomes.