The Cancer Letter

Inside information on cancer research and drug development

In the Archives

Advocacy: Shaping cancer care through survivorship—and politics

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Cancer advocacy in the spotlight

This September, the Cancer History Project is focusing on the evolution of cancer advocacy over the past 50 years. Here are selected archives recognizing and celebrating advocates—and remembering their legacy.

For years cancer researchers looked wistfully at the appropriations hauled in by the politicized AIDS activists. What would happen if cancer patients became as politicized? Would more money suddenly be found for cancer?

Now the time for wondering has passed.

Like it or not, breast cancer patients have moved beyond battling paternalistic surgeons. Politicized and militant, they are taking on Congress, the President and NCI.

Excerpted from Judith L. Pearson’s new book, From Shadows to Life: A Biography of the Cancer Survivorship Movement.

This evaluation centers on the impact of the National Breast Cancer Coalition’s (NBCC) research and advocacy programs and efforts, with an emphasis on NBCC’s work after NBCC announced the Breast Cancer Deadline 2020 in 2010.

Quote of the week

We will no longer be passive. We will no longer be polite. We can no longer afford to wait while Congress gets around to significant, decent funding for breast cancer.

Fran Visco

Featured contributors in cancer advocacy

National Breast Cancer Coalition

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship

Celebrating advocates

Recent contributions

This column features the latest posts to the Cancer History Project by our growing list of contributors. 

The Cancer History Project is a free, web-based, collaborative resource intended to mark the 50th anniversary of the National Cancer Act and designed to continue in perpetuity. The objective is to assemble a robust collection of historical documents and make them freely available. 

Access to the Cancer History Project is open to the public at CancerHistoryProject.com. You can also follow us on Twitter at @CancerHistProj.

Is your institution a contributor to the Cancer History Project? Eligible institutions include cancer centers, advocacy groups, professional societies, pharmaceutical companies, and key organizations in oncology. 

To apply to become a contributor, please contact admin@cancerhistoryproject.com.

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