Dr. Heather Bittner Fagan, a family medicine physician, researcher and nationally recognized advocate for cancer screening, has been named one of six inaugural “Check for Cancer Champions” by Aflac for her efforts to promote early cancer detection and preventive healthcare.
The recognition honors individuals across the country who are helping raise awareness about the importance of routine cancer screenings and encouraging people to prioritize preventive care.
As part of the award, Aflac will donate $5,000 in Fagan’s name to a cancer-related nonprofit organization of her choice. Fagan 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 focused on prevention and early detection.
Fagan serves as ChristianaCare’s medical director of Clinical Prevention and has spent more than 20 years caring for patients, with a particular emphasis on improving healthcare access and outcomes for underserved populations. Throughout her career, she has contributed extensively to research examining cancer screening practices in primary care settings and among vulnerable communities.
In addition to her clinical and research work, Fagan is actively involved in community outreach and education initiatives aimed at increasing cancer prevention awareness and improving screening rates.
A recognized leader in cancer prevention, Fagan is also a professor of Family Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University. She serves as a consultant to the American Cancer Society on lung cancer screening guidelines and has authored numerous publications related to early cancer 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.
The award highlights the growing emphasis on preventive healthcare and the critical role early detection plays in improving cancer outcomes. Health experts continue to encourage individuals to stay current with recommended screenings, which can help identify cancers at earlier, more treatable stages.
