November Advocate Spotlight: Adam R. Borden, MHA

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got connected with the Cancer Support Community.

I have worked in healthcare for over 16 years through various roles within academic medical centers, medical specialty societies, consulting and industry. I have always had some connection with cancer care throughout my career and my passion for ensuring that patients have access to high-quality, beneficial technologies has only grown over the years. I was introduced to the CSC through my former colleagues at Avalere Health (including current CSC Board Chair Lauren Barnes and Board Member Fauzea Hussain!) and was lucky enough to meet the wonderful and dedicated staff and leaders. From there, it was clear that I shared the mission of CSC and am honored to continue to serve on the Cancer Policy Institute Advisory Board.

Did you have experience with advocacy in any capacity before joining CSC? (e.g. legislator meetings, hosting educational events, writing letters or calling, writing pieces for media outlets, posting on your personal Facebook, sharing information with your community, etc.)

I have had direct connections to advocacy in various career positions, including writing comment letters and meeting with policymakers to advance positions for clients and/or causes. In my personal life, I have regularly donated to issues where I feel a sense of connection, For example, building of the National World War II Memorial in honor of my grandfather, community healthcare access in Maryland, and cancer advocacy and research. I consider myself more of a passive advocate, but that doesn’t mean my drive to enact positive change is any less!

Is there one issue you are particularly passionate about?

Early and equitable cancer detection. Unfortunately, people are going to continue to be diagnosed with cancer. However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t detect it in early stages when the prognosis is significantly more positive. I’m proud to have worked for organizations that have advocated for and developed technologies that help patients and providers find cancer early. I currently work at Siemens Healthineers, one of the largest global manufacturers of medical imaging and laboratory diagnostics products. From digital mammography to radiation dose-reducing CT scanners to lab tests, our products are utilized every day to detect, diagnose and monitor virtually every type of cancer. I’m excited for the near future, when new tests, devices and algorithms to detect cancer at an early stage will be available. We must ensure that everyone, regardless of demographics, has affordable access to these technologies.

What is one tip or piece of advice you’d like to share with others who are interested in becoming an advocate?

You don’t have to change your personality or behavior style to be a successful advocate. If you’re the loudest one in the room, great! We need you. If you’re more of a passive advocate (like me), great! We need you equally as much!

Tell us something fun about yourself—any hobbies, interests, or fun facts?

I love music. My playlists include everything from classical to trance to the heaviest metal you can find! I play drums and guitar, and my wife plays piano and has the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard. I also believe that music is therapeutic. Even for just a simple escape in an loud airport, it can heal both mind and body!

If you are interested in learning more about policy, advocacy, and ways to get involved, sign up to be a part of the Grassroots Network!