Patient Advisory Committee Engagement in a Precision Medicine-Focused Public Oncology Conference: Case Report of Lessons Learned

In this Case Report, we discuss our learnings from a public conference that was designed and delivered by a public-scientist partnership. Overall, we were able to organize and deliver a successful public conference on precision medicine and cancer, yet there is still room for improvement in practical and technical areas. Our experience, self-reflection, and participant feedback that are described in this manuscript can help inform future public engagement and conference activities in Canada and beyond. Last, we ask decision-makers, such as governments, to provide sustained support for public partnerships and engagement in oncology.Public SummaryThe Atlantic Cancer Consortium Patient Advisory Committee (ACC PAC) is a patient - scientist partnership in Atlantic Canada focusing on precision medicine and cancer, advising the ACC researchers in research and public engagement activities, and actively working to engage with Atlantic Canadians in knowledge dissemination.This group organized and delivered a one-day public conference on March 15, 2025. Topics included patient and family perspectives, precision medicine, cancer risk factors and screening programs, support services offered to cancer-affected individuals, clinical trials, and advocacy. The conference was open to all members of the public. Overall, this was an impactful event centred on patient and family priorities, experiences, as well as on information and support needs.During and after the organization and delivery of this public event, we learnt by experience and from speaker and participant feedback. In this Case Report, we discuss these perspectives, lessons learnt, impact of the event, and recommendations for future public conferences. We also ask for sustained support and emphasis on public partnerships and engagement on cancer from decision-makers.