 COA Patient Advocacy Network

CPAN begins the fourth quarter with a continued focus on its core mission: © stock.adobe.com.

A Note from the Director of Patient Advocacy & Education

CPAN begins the fourth quarter with a continued focus on its core mission: educating advocates on the value of independent community cancer care practices.

CPAN provides education and engagement opportunities year-round through in-person and virtual advocacy events. This year’s CPAN Advocacy Chats (Educational Conversations on Health Care and Policy) have provided insight into COA’s federal and state policy initiatives, including PBMs, prior authorization, cancer drug shortages, step therapy, biomarker testing, and health equity. Patient-focused topics have included cancer prevention, nutrition, and survivorship.

Additionally, our Advocacy Chats provided insights from the community oncology workforce and COA member practices, which highlighted the important role of oncology nurses and pharmacists. Our next advocacy conversation will focus on what advocates need to know about pharmacy benefit managers, from the perspective of pharmacists.

CPAN will soon launch a new chapter in Alabama. During this live practice-based advocacy event, participants will learn about COA’s key policy initiatives and the various advocacy opportunities with CPAN.

Thanks to our committed CPAN advocates, we have increased attention on national and local health care issues affecting patients

The best advocates are informed advocates. Learn more at 

Sincerely,
Rose Gerber, MS
COA Director of Patient Advocacy & Education

Connecting Community Oncology Advocates with Policymakers

October 8: Virtual Advocacy Chat: Cancer Care Hijacked: How PBMs Are Blocking Patients’ Access to Medication

October 28: CPAN Chapter Launch: Clearview Cancer Institute (Huntsville, Ala.)

November 12: Virtual Advocacy Chat: National Family Caregivers Month

December 10: Virtual Advocacy Chat: CPAN Year in Review

Contact your local CPAN chapter advocacy leader or 

Health Policy 101: Build Your Cancer Care Knowledge During Health Literacy Month

From clinical care decisions to financial considerations, a cancer diagnosis and treatment can be overwhelming for patients and their loved ones. October is Health Literacy Month—check out COA’s 

 to better understand the ins and outs to inform care decisions and empower advocates.

The Value of Independent Community Oncology: Virginia Cancer Institute

Community oncology is the care people want when they face cancer because it’s local, innovative, and high-quality. Doctors, nurses, and administrative staff take time to get to know each patient and their needs.

“We treat the whole patient, not just a particular disease. A breast cancer patient doesn’t only have breast cancer. There are so many other issues,” said Dr. James L. Khatcheressian, oncologist at Virginia Cancer Institute. “Community oncology practices are better adapted to support the whole patient rather than just one specific oncologic issue.” He echoes the sentiment in this 

Engaging conversations with cancer advocates, survivors, and professionals from around the country on community oncology’s most pressing topics.

 Cancer medication is often the focal point of treatment, but a balanced diet with nutritious food plays an important role. COA’s Shiela Plasencia and Rose Gerber, MS, 

discussed how independent community oncology practices help people living with cancer

 receive the nutrient-rich food they need and address food insecurity.

 Recent federal policy changes will reshape how people living with cancer access treatment, receive care, and afford medication. COA’s Nicolas Ferreyros and Rose Gerber, MS, 

discussed the potential impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on cancer care

 and what it could mean for community oncology. Plus, they shared how CPAN advocates can invite elected officials to local practices, so they can better understand the value of local cancer care to patients.

Help Is Growing For The Heavy Emotional Toll Cancer Takes On Young Men

Coping with cancer is rarely easy for anyone, but men tend to fare worse—emotionally and physically—than women, according to the American Cancer Society. Evidence shows male survivors isolate more, seek less support and, alarmingly, die earlier. Two men, one of whom started the support group Man Up to Cancer, shared their personal experiences of cancer diagnosis at a young age.

More Early Stage Colon Cancers Found In People Aged 45-49 Due To More Screenings, Research Shows

As more people aged 45-49 are getting screened for colon cancer, more early-stage diagnoses are being made, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers note disparities in colorectal cancer screening continue, particularly based on education levels and insurance status.

Federal Judge Blocks Arkansas Law Barring Pharmacy Benefit Managers From Owning Pharmacies in State

A federal judge temporarily blocked Arkansas’s first-in-the-nation law that prohibits pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning pharmacies in the state. Supporters of the law have said it’s needed, because PBMs are forcing independent pharmacies, especially those in rural areas, to close. The law was set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

COA and CancerCare teamed up to develop Time to Screen, a campaign that highlights the importance of cancer screening. Learn more about cancer screening by accessing the 

Articles

CPAN is emphasizing its mission to educate advocates on the importance of independent community cancer care practices. Through various advocacy events, CPAN has addressed key policy issues such as PBMs, prior authorization, and cancer drug shortages. The organization is launching a new chapter in Alabama and continues to engage with policymakers and the community oncology workforce. Upcoming events include virtual advocacy chats and a chapter launch. Health Literacy Month is highlighted, and the value of community oncology is underscored by the Virginia Cancer Institute's patient-centered approach.

CPAN begins the fourth quarter with a continued focus on its core mission: education.

2025 Quarter 3 – COA Patient Advocacy Network News Bulletin

You don’t want to miss the upcoming CPAN Advocacy Chat, we hope you can join us!: © stock.adobe.com.

You don’t want to miss the upcoming CPAN Advocacy Chat, we hope you can join us!

Topic: How PBMs Are Blocking Patient Access to Medication: A CPAN Advocacy Chat

 Oct 8, 2025 12:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

 Patients with cancer are increasingly having their care interrupted by a little-known middleman: the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM). Join the COA Patient Advocacy Network (CPAN) for a virtual Advocacy Chat on Wednesday, October 8, at 12 p.m. ET to learn what PBMs are and how they are affecting the quality and availability of cancer care.

, will be joined by COA's Director of Clinical Initiatives, 

, as they discuss how PBMs fit into the care equation. Created to manage pharmacy benefits for employers, PBMs have ballooned into Fortune 100 companies that are blocking critical care in the name of profit. These delays and denials create stressful situations for patients already dealing with serious diseases. Rose and Christine will discuss the ways that PBMs influence the prescription chain through prior authorization, white bagging, prescription trolling (diverting a prescription from a patient's preferred pharmacy to the PBM's in-house pharmacy) and other tactics, what is being done to combat the influence of PBMs at the state and federal levels, and tips for you on how to navigate the PBM maze as a patient, advocate, physician, or care professional.

https://coacancer.zoom.us/webinar/register/6017580447768/WN_TsVl9qMmSIGKnTIxe5HWhw#/registration

Click here to stream previous CPAN Advocacy Chats: 

This event is part of our virtual CPAN Advocacy Chats series - short, monthly educational webinars on key cancer issues and the policies that impact them. Each month features a new topic and special guest joining us. Patients, survivors, caregivers, and other cancer care advocates are all invited to join us for these free, interactive, virtual events!

The upcoming CPAN Advocacy Chat will address the impact of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) on cancer patient care. PBMs, initially created to manage pharmacy benefits, have grown into large corporations that can obstruct access to necessary medications, prioritizing profit over patient care. The discussion will cover PBM tactics like prior authorization and prescription trolling, and explore efforts to mitigate their influence at state and federal levels. The event aims to provide insights and strategies for patients, advocates, and healthcare professionals to navigate PBM-related challenges.

How PBMs Are Blocking Patient Access to Medication: A CPAN Advocacy Chat

CPAN Quarterly News Bulletin June 2025: © stock.adobe.com.


The advocacy track made a much-anticipated return to COA’s annual Conference in April. Cancer survivors, caregivers, and CPAN chapter leaders representing 17 community oncology practices nationwide gathered to learn about COA and COA’s advocacy issues and learn from each other.

The two-day advocacy track began with Get to Know Your Fellow Advocates, designed to inspire participants and remind them that everyone can be a powerful advocate. Through sharing personal stories, we were all reminded that cancer does not define a person. It was a very special session!

The advocacy track sessions—attended by advocates and general attendees over both days—included the importance of preserving community oncology and why it matters to people living with cancer before moving on to understanding policy and the fundamentals of advocacy. A session on the power of storytelling taught us how one’s story could drive change, and a session on how to effectively share your story with the media tied everything together.

COA Director of Patient Advocacy & Education

Upcoming Advocacy Opportunities: CPAN Advocacy Chats – Educational Conversations on Cancer Advocacy and Policy

9/10/2025 Equity First: Addressing Food Insecurity at the Community Level

Join the COA Patient Advocacy Network (CPAN) on Wednesday, September 10, at 12 p.m. ET to learn how community oncology is uniquely positioned to help patients access food by partnering with local organizations and reaching those in need.

COA’s Director of Patient Advocacy and Education and Advocacy Chat host, Rose Gerber, MS, and the Director of Practice Support, Shiela Plasencia, will explore the link between food insecurity and health equity, the role that community oncology practices can play, and how your practice can connect with food banks and equity-first organizations to ensure patients are receiving the food they need to successfully fight cancer.

https://coacancer.zoom.us/webinar/register/2317522545525/WN_boHJYjkUQlewZSVRaMbwJQ#/registration

10/8/2025 Cancer Care Hijacked: How PBMs are Blocking Your Access to Medication

Join the COA Patient Advocacy Network (CPAN) on Wednesday, October 8, at 12 p.m. ET. COA’s Director of Clinical Initiatives, Christine Pfaff, MBA, RPh, will join host Rose Gerber, MS, Director of Patient Advocacy and Education and Advocacy Chat to discuss the impact Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) has on your medical access. Visit our website to learn more: 

Health Policy 101: COA President Dr. Debra Patt Testifies Before the U.S. House of Representatives

Community oncology’s innovative cancer treatments are leading to better outcomes, but some policies are limiting patients’ access to these treatments. COA President and Executive Vice President of Texas Oncology Debra Patt, MD, PhD, MBA, 

testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means

 on how policymakers can make innovative therapies accessible.

“Every day, as oncologists, we see patients who simply cannot afford their treatments. Our job as physicians includes advocating for our patients and doing whatever is possible to make their treatments as affordable as possible,” said Dr. Patt. “Our patients who are struggling with the affordability of cancer treatment depend on us.”

Watch Rick's Advocacy in Action Story [45 Seconds]

“Getting my medication on time and dealing with my insurance was actually harder than dealing with my cancer,” said Rick, a cancer survivor and CPAN advocate. He speaks up for independent community oncology so other people living with cancer can focus on their treatment. 

How do you support people living with cancer? 

 Cancer is a life-changing event. When families, friends, and providers understand an individual’s journey, they can better support people living with cancer and survivors. 

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship

 Oncology nurses are integral to the cancer care team supporting people living with cancer. During National Oncology Nursing month, 

 State-level pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform has gained momentum in 2025 - most notably in Arkansas, where a new law would improve patient access to affordable treatments. COA Director of State Regulation and Policy 

state policy trends shaping patient care in 2025

What Community Oncologists Should Know About “Bellwether” for PBM Reform

Although more lawmakers in Congress are learning how PBMs affect patient care, legislative success is happening at the state level. Policy experts discussed three laws in Arkansas that could guide future PBM reform efforts during the COA 2025 Community Oncology Conference.

Women Who Survive Cancer Are More Likely Than Men to Have Fatigue and Depression

Women who survive cancer are more likely to experience cancer-related fatigue and depression than men, according to research presented at the American Association for Cancer Research’s annual meeting. The study found that, compared with male survivors, female cancer survivors were 69% more likely to report cancer-related fatigue and 58% more likely to report depression.

Advanced Cancers Returned To Pre-Pandemic Levels, According to a Reassuring Report

Many people living in America were forced to postpone cancer screenings for several months in 2020 as COVID-19 overwhelmed doctors and hospitals. But delays in screening have not impacted cancer death rates and late diagnoses have stayed consistent, according to a report published in the American Cancer Society’s Cancer journal.

Ensure policymakers understand how independent community oncology delivers local, high-quality cancer care. Invite policymakers with COA’s 

The recent COA annual conference featured an advocacy track for cancer survivors, caregivers, and CPAN chapter leaders, focusing on community oncology and policy understanding. Sessions emphasized storytelling's role in advocacy and media engagement. Upcoming events include virtual advocacy chats and a Capitol Hill Day follow-up. COA President Dr. Debra Patt testified before Congress on policy barriers to innovative cancer treatments. Recent CPAN advocacy chats covered cancer survivor experiences, oncology nursing roles, and state-level PBM reform. Notable news includes gender disparities in cancer-related fatigue and depression, and stable cancer diagnosis rates post-pandemic.

CPAN Quarterly News Bulletin – June 2025

Enclosed is the 2025 Quarter 1 – COA Patient Advocacy Network News Bulletin.

The beginning of the year is always busy for advocates, whether we’re making our voices heard in the new Congress or engaging with state lawmakers. This work requires us to learn from each other and collaborate to remind policymakers why community oncology is essential.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Community Oncology Alliance’s annual conference in sunny Orlando, April 29-30, where the patient advocacy program track is returning. Participants will learn how to engage with federal and state elected officials, harness the power of storytelling, work with traditional and social media, and understand COA’s policy and advocacy priorities. I’m already hearing of palpable energy surrounding how we can raise the collective voice of community oncology.

Engage with Fellow Advocates and Policymakers to Strengthen Community Oncology

April 9: Virtual Advocacy Chat: State Policy Trends Shaping Patient Care in 2025 (featuring James Lee, COA director of state regulation and policy)

April 29-30: In-Person Event: Community Oncology Conference (Orlando, FL)

May 14: Virtual Advocacy Chat: National Oncology Nursing Month

June 11: In-Person Event: Patient Hill Day (Washington, D.C.)*

June 18: Virtual Advocacy Chat: Cancer Survivorship (featuring Shelley Fuld Nasso, MPP, National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship’s chief executive officer)

July 23: Virtual Advocacy Chat: Sit In My Chair*

Reach out to your local CPAN Chapter Advocacy Leader or to Rose Gerber, roseg@coacancer.org, to learn how to get involved.

Health Policy 101: What Ails the Health Care System, and How Is Community Oncology Affected?

The United States’ health care system is at a critical tipping point. An increase in mergers, acquisitions, and physicians employed by hospitals—a trend known as consolidation—creates a system where some mega hospitals and health systems dominate the market. Community-based practices close because of consolidation, leaving patients with higher treatment costs, longer wait times, and further travel distances. Mega health systems profit while patients, particularly those in rural and underserved areas, suffer the consequences of fewer independent oncology practices.

COA is advocating for Congress to fix these systemic issues so that patients can access local, affordable cancer care. 

Watch Ted Okon, executive director of COA, to learn more.

Watch Tonsa’s Advocacy in Action Story [60 Seconds]

Tonsa, a cancer survivor and CPAN chapter advocate for Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona, advocates for independent community oncology with her passion to help others and commitment to delivering positive change for patients. Watch Tonsa share why she advocates to make sure community oncology’s voice is heard in the latest 

 Maintaining healthy eating habits and personalized diets are essential for people living with cancer and survivors to manage their condition. April Rozzo, MS, RD, CSO, LD/N, clinical nutrition manager at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute joined Rose Gerber, to 

discuss helpful tips on nutrition planning

 Personal stories are a powerful way for patients, survivors, and caregivers to share experiences with policymakers. Rose Gerber and Caitlin Kubler, senior director of policy and advocacy at the Prevent Cancer Foundation, 

shared how their own cancer experiences affect their approach

 With a new Congress, a new administration, and new health care policy priorities, what can advocates expect in the legislative year ahead? COA Executive Director, Ted Okon and Managing Director, Nick Ferreyros joined Rose Gerber for a 

look into the crystal ball on all things cancer policy in 2025

Stream recent Advocacy Chats on @OncologyCOA’s YouTube channel.

Top-Rated Diet Lowers Cancer Risk in a Surprising Way, New Study Finds

Meals from the Mediterranean have been shown to reduce the risk of developing prostate, cervical, and colorectal cancer, while also decreasing the risk of women dying from any cancer by 17%, according to findings published in JAMA Network Open. The Mediterranean diet features simple, plant-based cooking, with much of each meal focused on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, and seeds, with a few nuts and a heavy emphasis on extra-virgin olive oil.

The Race To Explain Why More Young Adults Are Getting Cancer

Scientists are racing to answer why cancer, historically a disease of old age, is increasingly striking people in the prime of their lives. Globally, diagnoses and deaths related to early-onset cancer, affecting patients younger than 50, rose by 79% and 28%, respectively, from 1990 to 2019, according to a recent study published in BMJ Oncology.

Young Women Are Almost Twice as Likely to be Diagnosed With Cancer as Young Men: ‘We’re Seeing A Change’

Cancer diagnoses are shifting from older to younger adults and from men to women, according to a report released by the American Cancer Society. Breast and thyroid cancers, which account for nearly half of all cancer diagnoses in women younger than 50, are driving the trend.

COA is working with practices and policymakers to protect patient access to local, high-quality care. Check out the 

, a blueprint to addressing the health care system’s greatest challenges.

The COA Patient Advocacy Network News Bulletin highlights the importance of community oncology advocacy, emphasizing collaboration with policymakers and the impact of healthcare consolidation on patient access. Upcoming events include virtual and in-person advocacy opportunities, such as the Community Oncology Conference and Patient Hill Day. The bulletin also discusses recent advocacy chats on nutrition and storytelling in cancer care, and shares news on the Mediterranean diet's cancer risk reduction and the rise of early-onset cancer. COA continues to advocate for healthcare reform to ensure accessible, affordable cancer care.

COA Patient Advocacy Network

2025 Quarter 3 – COA Patient Advocacy Network News Bulletin

How PBMs Are Blocking Patient Access to Medication: A CPAN Advocacy Chat

CPAN Quarterly News Bulletin – June 2025

2025 Quarter 1 – COA Patient Advocacy Network News Bulletin.

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