COA Patient Advocacy Network
News Bulletin: January 2023
Advocacy Chats
Educational Conversations on Cancer Advocacy and Policy Issues

COA's Crystal Ball for 2023
With a new year and a new Congress, what developments in cancer policy can advocates expect? Join COA Director of Patient Advocacy & Education, Rose Gerber, MS; COA Managing Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Communications, Nick Ferreyros; and COA Executive Director, Ted Okon, MBA, to learn what 2023 could mean for cancer care on Wednesday, January 11 at 12:00 p.m. ET.
ICYMI: What’s Legal About Cancer? Insurance, Employment, and Finances
When a patient receives a cancer diagnosis, questions often come up about insurance coverage, the future of employment, and how to pay for treatment. COA’s Rose Gerber spoke with Triage Cancer Chief Operating Officer, Monica Fawzy Bryant, Esq, to discuss the legal and financial issues facing cancer patients.

Advocacy Spotlight:
Amplifying the Voice of CPAN Advocates
Thousands of CPAN advocates have worked to protect community oncology for more than a decade, and each one has a powerful personal story. Some advocates join CPAN following treatment in a community oncology setting, some join as community oncology professionals, and some join to support loved ones. No matter the reason, each advocate knows firsthand the value of locally delivered cancer care, and the power of CPAN’s collective voice.  

CPAN will spotlight and celebrate the efforts and stories of advocates and chapter leaders throughout 2023. CPAN will feature what led each member to advocate for community oncology, what they value about locally delivered cancer care, and the importance of organizations like CPAN.
Cancer News You Can Use
HealthDay 12/19
Researchers found that 8.2 million women had limited access to mammography screening in 2022—defined as living more than a 20-minute drive to the nearest facility. That was up from 7.5 million in 2006. Not surprisingly, women in rural areas were most affected: In rural regions of 28 states, more than half of women had limited mammography access due to where they lived.

CNN 12/14
A small proportion—14.1%—of all diagnosed cancers in the United States are detected by screening with a recommended screening test, according to a new report. The remaining diagnosed cancers tend to be found when someone has symptoms or seeks imaging or medical care for other reasons, suggests the report, authored by researchers at the nonprofit organization NORC at the University of Chicago.

NBC 12/08
The first study to address head-on a major issue for young breast cancer survivors—the opportunity to have a baby—finds it’s safe, at least temporarily, to pause treatment in order to get pregnant. Until now, there had been no solid evidence that women who stopped taking hormone-reducing drugs so they could have a baby could do so without further increasing their risk of recurrence.
Community Oncology 101
Spotlight on Cancer Care: Commitment to Patients
How can community oncologists provide high-quality cancer care? At New England Cancer Specialists, the first step is ensuring that the patient is priority number one.

Learn more in this Spotlight on Cancer Care.
Resources for Chapters
Make spreading the word about community oncology your New Year’s resolution!
Visit CPAN’s Advocacy Resources library to find educational video content to share on social media and request customized advocacy materials to fit your practice’s needs.