Shelley Fuld Nasso, MPP, from the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), presented an engaging and informative session titled “Advocating for Better Survivorship Care.” This presentation is essential viewing for anyone interested in the future of cancer care and advocacy. NCCS, founded in 1986, is dedicated to advocating for quality cancer care for all individuals touched by cancer. One of their key initiatives is the annual Survivorship Survey, with results available on their website. Notably, the survey reveals that caregivers are often less satisfied with care compared to patients, and patient satisfaction increases when a care plan is in place. However, the burden of coordinated care frequently falls on patients, posing challenges, especially in the absence of a structured care plan.
Key findings from the survey include:
- 30% of post-treatment follow-up care is provided by primary care physicians (PCPs), 44% by oncologists, and 22% by other providers.
- Most follow-up care focuses on tests and scans, neglecting quality of life aspects.
NCCS offers robust advocacy programs, including:
- CPAT (Cancer Policy and Advocacy Team) for those interested in advocacy opportunities.
- Elevate Ambassadors, with applications opening in the fall on NCCS’s website.
Shelley highlighted critical legislative efforts supported by NCCS, such as the Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act, which promotes health improvements for survivors and advocates for payment models incentivizing better survivorship care. Additionally, the Cancer Care Planning and Communication Act seeks Medicare coverage for comprehensive care plans.
To get involved in advocacy, Shelley encourages viewers to engage with their members of Congress, sharing personal stories and issues to drive change.
NCCS provides a wealth of resources for cancer survivors on its website, including survivorship checklists. Don’t miss this insightful presentation to learn how you can advocate for better survivorship care and make a difference!
Access Shelley’s presentation, Advocating for Better Survivorship Care
Shelley Fuld Nasso, MPP, is CEO of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, where she advocates to transform the cancer care system for everyone touched by cancer. NCCS engages in public policy efforts to improve cancer care and empowers cancer survivors and caregivers to be a voice in public policy debates. Prior to joining NCCS in 2013, she led public policy efforts at Susan G. Komen. She is a graduate of Rice University and the Harvard Kennedy School. She advocates in honor of her dear friend, Dr. Brent Whitworth, a beloved physician who died of cancer at the age of 43.