AMA President Shares Cancer Journey, Calls for Improved Access to Care

Mukkamala's personal experience motivated him to make access to care a top priority as AMA president.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 2:07pm

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AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, MD, had a grade 2 astrocytoma surgically removed from his brain in 2024. Mukkamala shared his experience as a patient and what he wants clinicians to learn from his journey, including the importance of improving access to care, especially in underserved areas. He also discussed the need to continue funding cancer research and ensuring patients have strong support systems.

Why it matters

Mukkamala's personal experience with cancer has given him a deeper understanding of the challenges patients face in navigating the healthcare system. As the head of the American Medical Association, he is now positioned to advocate for policies and initiatives that improve access to cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, particularly for underserved communities.

The details

In November 2024, Mukkamala, a head and neck surgeon, was diagnosed with a grade 2 astrocytoma, a slow-growing brain tumor. He was able to have the tumor successfully removed through surgery at the Mayo Clinic, but the experience was an 'eye opener' for him. Mukkamala realized that not everyone has the same level of access to top specialists and prompt treatment that he did as the AMA president-elect. This has motivated him to make improving access to care one of his main focus areas as AMA president.

  • In November 2024, Mukkamala was diagnosed with a grade 2 astrocytoma.
  • Three weeks later, in December 2024, Mukkamala had successful surgery to remove the tumor at the Mayo Clinic.

The players

Bobby Mukkamala, MD

The president of the American Medical Association (AMA) who was diagnosed with a grade 2 astrocytoma brain tumor in 2024.

American Cancer Society

An organization that provides cancer research, education, and patient support.

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What they’re saying

“It was definitely an eye opener. Up until that point, being a head and neck surgeon, I saw patients with cancer almost on a daily basis, helping them navigate the system on their behalf. Then suddenly to realize right after my MRI scan ... I thought, 'Holy cow, what am I going to do?'”

— Bobby Mukkamala, MD, President, American Medical Association

“Immediately starting with the first Zoom call, as soon as we got done, I thought, 'people do not have that kind of access to care.'”

— Bobby Mukkamala, MD, President, American Medical Association

What’s next

Mukkamala plans to continue advocating for increased funding for cancer research and ensuring all patients have access to the latest cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment options, regardless of their socioeconomic status or location.

The takeaway

Mukkamala's personal experience with cancer has given him a renewed sense of purpose to improve access to care, especially in underserved communities. As the head of the AMA, he is uniquely positioned to drive policy changes and initiatives that will help more patients receive the timely, high-quality cancer care they need.