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March 2024 CPAN News Bulletin
Advocacy Chats - Educational Conversations on Cancer Advocacy and Policy Issues
March 13: Changing the Way Men Go Through Cancer
Cancer can be particularly isolating for men. Creating spaces where men feel supported during their cancer journey can make a significant difference in their treatment and outlook. Join Rose Gerber, MS, COA director of patient advocacy and education, and Trevor Maxwell, founder of Man Up to Cancer, to learn about the importance of mental and emotional support for men undergoing treatment for cancer on Wednesday, March 13 at 12 p.m. ET. Register here.
ICYMI: Cancer Wellness – A Focus on the Importance of Supportive Care
Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and other direct treatments are key to fighting and removing cancer from a patient’s body—but physical needs aren’t the only variables to consider. COA’s Rose Gerber and New York Cancer & Blood Specialists’ Chief of Wellness Services MaryAnn Fragola, DNP, ANPc, ACHPN, explored cancer wellness and the role of care support during last month’s Advocacy Chat. Stream it on @OncologyCOA's YouTube channel.
Patients and Cancer Survivors
Save the Date – May 8 | COA Capitol Hill Day, Washington, D.C.
Patients and cancer survivors* are invited to join us on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
*Those treated in a community oncology practice. Targeted states and additional details will be provided at a later date.
Advocacy Spotlight
Kashyap Patel, MD / COA’s Immediate Past President, Chief Executive Officer, Carolina Blood & Cancer Care Associates, Rock Hill, S.C.
Health inequity is one of the biggest challenges facing health care today—and community oncology clinics play a significant role in addressing it, according to Kashyap Patel, MD, CEO of Carolina Blood and Cancer Care Associates.
“Independent cancer clinics don’t just serve a community, they’re an integral part of it,” said Dr. Patel. “With the right tools and resources, there’s no provider better positioned to move the needle on health equity.”
As the COVID-19 pandemic shed light on disparities in access, affordability, and outcomes, Dr. Patel created the No One Left Alone Foundation (NOLA) to improve health equity in his community and empower other community oncology clinics to do the same.
With the support of the Community Oncology Alliance, Dr. Patel launched two pilot programs designed to reduce financial, transportation, and other barriers to care patients may face. Community oncology practices across the country now implement NOLA’s successes and learnings to launch their own health equity initiatives.
“Community oncology always has—and always will—put patients first,” said Dr. Patel. “Creating a more equitable cancer care system is a necessary next step that community oncology clinics are committed to taking.”
- To learn about COA and CPAN advocates and their commitment to protecting locally delivered cancer care, visit CPAN’s Advocates & Their Stories page.
Cancer News You Can Use
Cyberattack Paralyzes the Largest U.S. Health Care Payment System - The New York Times 03/05
An urgent care chain in Ohio may be forced to stop paying rent and other bills to cover salaries. In Florida, a cancer center is racing to find money for chemotherapy drugs to avoid delaying critical treatments for its patients.
More Than Half of Americans Don’t Know Drinking Increases Risk of Colon, Rectal Cancer - The Hill 02/26
Slightly more than half of Americans—51%—did not know that alcohol consumption is a risk factor for colon or rectal cancer, according to a new 1,000-person survey from The Ohio State University. According to the survey, 42% of adults did not know lack of exercise may contribute to these types of cancer and 38% and 37% did not know obesity and poor diet are also risk factors.
AGs Urge Federal Action on PBM 'Abuses' - HealthLeaders 02/22
The National Association of Attorneys General is urging Congress to pass legislation that cracks down on "deceptive practices" used by PBMs that may drive up the costs of prescription drugs for consumers. The AGs claim that a “small number of PBMs hold significant market power and are reaping abundant profits at the expense of the patients, employers, and government payers the PBMs are supposed to help.”
Engaging Patients Through CPAN
The Augusta Oncology Multispecialty Clinic in Augusta, Ga., engages patients through the COA Patient Advocacy Network (CPAN) to create a strong, connected community of cancer patients who support local care.See the power of CPAN in action.
Resources for Chapters
Need educational resources to share with family and friends? Check out CPAN’s Advocacy and Chapter Resources and request educational materials including fact sheets, videos and CPAN Chapter Posters to fit your advocacy needs.
