Anatu Saka, MPH
Associate Scientist II
Cancer Surveillance Research
What Inspires Me
Witnessing the lives of multiple family members changed by prostate cancer diagnoses inspired me to pursue a career in cancer occurrence and outcomes, focusing on communities affected by disproportionately high cancer burdens. It is my goal to contribute to the work ACS does to ensure equitable access to cancer screening and care for every patient.”
At ACS since 2023
Anatu Saka, MPH, is an associate scientist II in Surveillance & Health Equity Science within the Cancer Surveillance Research team. She currently leads the development of the Cancer Facts & Figures for Hispanic/Latino People and African American People.
Research focus and accomplishments
Saka's research interests include survivorship research, racial-ethnic health disparities within gynecologic cancers, cancer health equity, and treatment outcomes related to clinicopathologic features.
She also has experience with mixed methods research on COVID-19 responses focused on understanding the challenges faced by public health officials in the context of misinformation and public distrust.
Contact
Work before ACS
- The Ohio State University, Case Investigation and Contact Tracing Team, Program Coordinator
- The Ohio State University, BACKLASH-SEED Study, Graduate Research Associate
Professional Organizations
- North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR), Member
Education
- MPH: Epidemiology, Ohio State University, 2021-2023
- BS: Public Health, University of Toledo, 2017-2020
Personal life
I live in Atlanta and enjoy attending concerts, making pottery, and traveling with friends and family.