Kathryn Glaser, MA, PhD

I am an Assistant Professor of Oncology in the Department of Cancer Prevention and Control and joined Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in 2016. I earned a PhD in Cultural Anthropology from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 2015.

I am a medical anthropologist advancing research directed toward reducing, eliminating and preventing health disparities. I am currently working on expanding cancer screening and patient navigation services at Roswell Park with a goal of reducing cancer health disparities.

My research focuses on health disparities related to chronic illness including cancer, particularly the illness experience, prevention, access to care, and utilization of medical systems. My work has primarily focused on groups with various cultural backgrounds and health beliefs.

As co-leader of the Cancer Screening and Survivorship Program, I focus on two main areas of the cancer continuum, early detection/screening and survivorship care. My work with local Federally Qualified Health Centers investigates implementing evidence-based guidelines for cancer screening using both practice facilitation and patient education/navigation to increase cancer screening rates in economically challenged populations with low health literacy. 

My current efforts in the survivorship program have highlighted the importance of symptom management for cancer survivors and support for their caregivers through wellness programs, with a specific focus on integrative oncology such as yoga therapy. Additionally, I am a board-certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor through the National Ayurvedic Medical Association.