The National Coalition for Cancer Research and NCCR announced plans for the two organizations to begin winding down their activities and cease operations, effective Aug. 31.
The coalition was established in 1986, bringing together 19 nonprofit cancer research, professional and patient organizations to educate the general public about the value of cancer research. To complement the work of the coalition, a sister group—NCCR—was formed as an advocacy organization focused on basic, translational and clinical research.
“When the National Coalition for Cancer Research and NCCR were created, they were among the only coalitions of cancer organizations with distinct policy and educational missions,” said Wendy Selig, president. “Today, thanks in part to the pioneering efforts of the coalition and NCCR, many of our member organizations have active, sophisticated, and highly effective advocacy and public policy programs at the federal, state, and grassroots levels.
“We are confident that our community is well positioned to continue this work, along with providing educational opportunities for Members of Congress and their staff, the cancer research and patient advocacy communities, as well as the public.”
The National Coalition for Cancer Research is known for its “Cancer 101” Congressional Briefing Series. The series has convened cancer researchers, administration officials, patient and provider representatives and others to present educational programs on a wide variety of cancer research and cancer research-related topics.
“The AACR was one of the founding organizations of the NCCR, and our involvement at that time – when advocacy for cancer research was just becoming more active–was a great learning experience for all of us,” said Margaret Foti, chief executive officer of the American Association for Cancer Research and a past president of the coalition. “Over the years, the NCCR facilitated significant collaborations across highly respected organizations representing all sectors of the research and patient care community, and this innovative advocacy for science-based public policies has clearly accelerated the pace of progress against cancer.”
The two organizations plan to wind down their activities in the coming months, maintaining their active efforts as the current appropriations process continues, and hosting additional “Cancer 101” activities.
