COA Patient Advocacy Network
News Bulletin: March 2021
Advocacy Chats
Insightful Conversations on Policy Issues & Cancer Research
Up Next: Paving the Path for a World Without Colon Cancer
Colorectal cancer is on the rise among young people ages 20-29, setting off alarm bells for care providers and advocates. Interim President of the Colon Cancer Foundation Cindy Borassi will discuss the Foundation’s work toward eradicating this disease with COA Director of Patient Advocacy and Education Rose Gerber.

They will examine unique initiatives making a difference, like Protect Your Butt, the Rollin’ Colon and efforts to expand screening among at-risk populations. 
ICYMI: Watch our February Advocacy Chat on cancer prevention research. 

Prevent Cancer Foundation founder and CEO Carolyn “Bo” Aldige discusses the Foundation’s progress in cancer research and what people can do to avoid a cancer diagnosis, especially during the pandemic. Watch Carolyn preview the Foundation’s 50th anniversary theme, Daring to Imagine a World Where No One Dies of Cancer.

Chapter Spotlight
Oklahoma Cancer Specialists and Research Institute
Location Tulsa, Oklahoma
OK Cancer Specialists
Oklahoma Cancer Specialists and Research Institute (OCSRI) cares for more than 1,500 patients each year in greater Tulsa. 

OCSRI provides an individualized approach to high-quality, comprehensive, community-driven care for neighbors, friends, community leaders, church members, and family. This physician-owned community oncology practice doubles as a clinical research site, offering cutting-edge treatments. 

As a part of the CPAN community, OCSRI believes in the value and effectiveness of patients advocating for their own care, and leverages those voices when making care decisions. CPAN’s OSCRI chapter hosts educational events on key advocacy issues including pharmacy benefit managers, prior authorization, and the value case for community oncology. CPAN advocates from Oklahoma participate in COA’s national patient advocacy conference and virtual events. CPAN’s educational events provide chapter members the tools needed to amplify their important stories. 
Cancer News You Can Use
CNBC 02/19
President Joe Biden said that once the coronavirus pandemic has been defeated, his administration will target another deadly disease: cancer.

NBC News 02/19
Vaccinating communities of color, which have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus pandemic, has been a focus for both the Biden administration and many local governments.

UW Medicine 02/19
Women of minority races and ethnicities and with less education and income have had relatively lower access to 3D mammography, a technology that can improve breast cancer detection and decrease false alarms, according to research published today.

Associated Press 02/17
Life expectancy in the United States dropped a staggering one year during the first half of 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic caused its first wave of deaths, health officials are reporting. Minorities suffered the biggest impact, with Black Americans losing nearly three years and Hispanics, nearly two years, according to preliminary estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Video: Community Oncology 101
What is Prior Authorization
In this Cancer Policy Minute, Debra Patt, MD, of Texas Oncology discusses an insurer tactic called “prior authorization,” a policy that restricts access to a prescribed treatment, test, or medical service until a physician obtains an insurance company’s approval.
Resources for Advocates & Chapters
Millions of people are diagnosed with cancer every year, and every person has a story to share, from diagnosis to survivorship.