Enclosed is the 2025 Quarter 1 – COA Patient Advocacy Network News Bulletin: © stock.adobe.com.

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

A Note from the Director of Patient Advocacy & Education

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.

COA Director of Patient Advocacy & Education

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 

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

 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.

Articles

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.

2025 Quarter 1 – COA Patient Advocacy Network News Bulletin.

LCI proudly participated in the GO2 Voices Summit.

Lung Cancer Initiative (LCI) proudly participated in the GO2 Voices Summit held March 9–11, 2025, in Washington, DC. Representing LCI, Board Member Dr. Bradley Icard and Development Director Susan Kjellqvist joined advocates from across the nation to call for increased federal support for lung cancer research and to strengthen our advocacy skills.

Alongside fellow North Carolina constituents, they urged lawmakers to:

Pass a FY2025 spending bill with maximum cancer research funding.

Allocate $60 million to the Lung Cancer Research Program under the Department ofDefense’s CDMRP.

Support robust funding for the NIH, NCI, ARPA-H, and FDA.

They also advocated for two key legislative efforts:

Re-introduction of the bipartisan Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventative Services Act.

Co-sponsorship of the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act (H.R. 842/S. 339).

A highlight of the Summit was connecting with other passionate advocates, united by a shared commitment to fighting lung cancer. Together, they made it clear to Congress that cuts to research funding are unacceptable. Continued investment in lung cancer research has already saved lives—now is the time to build on that momentum, not risk it.

As we move forward, LCI remains dedicated to empowering the lung cancer community and championing the urgent need for sustained, increased funding. The future of research—and the lives it can save—depends on it.

https://lungcancerinitiative.org/lci-shows-support-for-research-funding-at-the-go2-voices-summit/

The Lung Cancer Initiative (LCI) actively participated in the GO2 Voices Summit in Washington, DC, advocating for increased federal support for lung cancer research. LCI representatives, including Dr. Bradley Icard and Susan Kjellqvist, joined other advocates to urge lawmakers to pass a FY2025 spending bill with maximum cancer research funding and allocate $60 million to the Lung Cancer Research Program. They also supported key legislative efforts, such as the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventative Services Act and the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act. LCI remains committed to empowering the lung cancer community.

Lung Cancer Initiative proudly participated in the GO2 Voices Summit held March 9–11, 2025, in Washington, DC.

LCI Shows Support for Lung Cancer Research Funding at GO2 Voices Summit

It’s easy to think of scientific researchers as existing in a vacuum. © Dr_Microbe - stock.adobe.com.

It’s easy to think of scientific researchers as existing in a vacuum: spending long days and evenings in a laboratory, making observations that most people will probably never understand or hear about. But when it comes to blood cancer research, that couldn’t be less true.

Every study is a chance to make a breakthrough—one that could change, and save, the lives of patients and their families. That’s why The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) funds innovative 

. We know we need as many minds as possible to close the gap to a new treatment—or a cure.

And LLS is far from alone in that goal. 

, one of LLS’s trusted and valued partners, makes groundbreaking cancer research their highest priority. And as part of our 

 this year, LLS and Gilead and Kite Oncology are championing scientific breakthroughs like CAR-T cell therapy with “Innovation Celebrations."

“As the exclusive sponsor of the Innovation Celebrations, Gilead and Kite Oncology is honored to recognize patients who are living longer as a result of 

, and members of their support community. These celebrations serve as an opportunity for the CAR-T community to celebrate survivorship and align perfectly with our national presenting sponsorship of Celebration & Community for Light the Night,” said Chad Saward, Senior Director, Patient and Professional Relations, Kite, a Gilead Company.

These honorees’ lives have been changed, and saved, by research. More specifically, by a blood cancer treatment that’s come to the forefront of blood cancer research in the last three decades: CAR T-cell therapy.

https://lls.org/blog/bringing-together-car-t-cell-therapy-community

Blood cancer research is crucial for developing life-saving treatments, with organizations like The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and partners such as Gilead and Kite Oncology leading the charge. They emphasize the importance of innovative research, particularly CAR T-cell therapy, which has significantly impacted patient survival. Through events like "Innovation Celebrations," these organizations honor patients benefiting from CAR T-cell therapy and their support networks. Such initiatives highlight the collaborative efforts in the scientific community to advance cancer treatment and celebrate the progress made in blood cancer research.

It’s easy to think of scientific researchers as existing in a vacuum.

Bringing Together the CAR T-Cell Therapy Community

Cancer is one of the most expensive medical conditions to treat in the U.S. - © stock.adobe.com

Cancer is one of the most expensive medical conditions to treat in the U.S. As a result, patients, survivors, and caregivers—already challenged by the physical and emotional burdens of cancer—often face growing medical debt. The high cost of care that leads to this medical debt adds further financial stress and burden, or financial toxicity—the last thing a patient, caregiver, or their family needs. 

Type of health insurance or not having any health insurance (and surmounting costs which factor in premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket max, co-insurance percentage, etc.)

Cancer type, its severity, and treatment received

Age, race and ethnicity, income, and whether the patient or caregiver has a job

Advancements in blood cancer therapy are dramatically impacting the range of treatments available to patients. As a result, people living with or in remission from cancer are living longer and need ongoing healthcare management—all while possibly accumulating medical debt. 

And as patients and/or caregivers pay more and more out of their own pockets for care, financial toxicity has become another unbearable side effect of cancer, affecting 

 of patients exhaust their entire life savings within two years of a cancer diagnosis. 

, go without care, or alter their cancer treatment because of cost, affecting their outcomes.

For patients with medical debt, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is here for you with our 

. Our case managers work directly with blood cancer patients, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals to assist patients in managing their medical debt. Services include but are not limited to addressing financial concerns, including managing existing medical debt and planning for upcoming medical expenses, identifying resources such as charity care organizations or manufacturer patient assistance programs that may reduce the financial burden, assistance with insurance plan evaluation and enrollment, such as Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplace plans, and employer-sponsored health insurance and navigating insurance benefits, denials of care, and out-of-pocket costs. The program is not a debt forgiveness program, does NOT pay off medical debt and cannot assist with debt that is in collections.

More information about the LLS Medical Debt Case Management program can be found by contacting an 

Our case managers work individually with patients and their caregivers, which means there is a limited number of cases they can take each day.

If you do not get into the program today, please continue to check back daily.

Cancer treatment in the U.S. is costly, leading to financial toxicity for patients, survivors, and caregivers. Factors such as insurance type, cancer severity, and demographics influence financial risk. Despite advancements in blood cancer therapy, many patients face medical debt, with 42% exhausting life savings within two years of diagnosis. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society offers a Medical Debt Case Management Program to help manage debt, though it does not forgive or pay off debt. The program provides resources and assistance with insurance and financial planning.

Cancer is one of the most expensive medical conditions to treat in the U.S. 

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is Helping Patients With Medial Debt

This month’s Research Spotlight highlights significant advancements in pancreatic cancer research and patient support. © - stock.adobe.com

This month’s Research Spotlight highlights significant advancements in pancreatic cancer research and patient support. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has released new patient-facing guidelines on genetic testing for hereditary cancers, including pancreatic cancer. These guidelines provide essential information on genetic risks, testing options, and early detection strategies, helping patients and their families make informed healthcare decisions. PanCAN strongly encourages genetic and tumor biomarker testing for all pancreatic cancer patients to guide personalized treatment and identify potential risks for family members.

PanCAN’s Early Detection Initiative (EDI) has successfully enrolled over 8,800 participants to study the link between new-onset diabetes and pancreatic cancer. The goal of this initiative is to develop a screening method for high-risk individuals that detects pancreatic cancer early when it is still surgically treatable. As data from the study continues to be analyzed over the coming years, researchers are hopeful that this initiative will lead to the implementation of a new screening strategy that improves early detection and patient outcomes.

Additionally, pancreatic cancer disproportionately affects Black Americans, who have higher incidence and mortality rates than other racial and ethnic groups. The American Cancer Society’s latest report attributes these disparities to structural racism and inequitable access to healthcare. Addressing these disparities requires continued advocacy and research funding. PanCAN leaders recently visited Capitol Hill to urge federal investment in pancreatic cancer research, emphasizing the importance of sustained funding for scientific progress and improved patient outcomes. PanCAN encourages supporters to engage in advocacy efforts to ensure that funding for life-saving research remains a national priority.

Read more from PanCAN’s Chief Scientific & Medical Officer Dr. Anna Berkenblit: 

https://pancan.org/news/research-spotlight-2/

Recent advancements in pancreatic cancer research emphasize the importance of genetic testing and early detection. The NCCN has introduced guidelines for hereditary cancer genetic testing, aiding patients in making informed decisions. PanCAN advocates for genetic and tumor biomarker testing to personalize treatment and assess familial risks. The Early Detection Initiative aims to link new-onset diabetes with pancreatic cancer for early screening. Disparities in pancreatic cancer incidence among Black Americans highlight the need for advocacy and research funding to address structural racism and healthcare access issues.

This month’s Research Spotlight highlights significant advancements in pancreatic cancer research and patient support. 

Insights into the Latest Trends in Pancreatic Cancer

CRANBURY, N.J., Jan. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 

, the industry-leading multimedia platform devoted to cancer updates, research and education that reaches over 1 million patients, survivors and caregivers, is pleased to announce the winners of the annual 

® Calendar Contest. The 12 selected artists will have their artwork displayed in the 2022 calendar, titled "Healing Through Hues."

 of Dunedin, Fla., for "The Caribou Lookout"

 of Hillsdale, N.J., for "Squirrels in Winter"

 of Hollywood, Fla., for "Through the Storm"

 of Scottsdale, Ariz., for "Pali Lookout"

 of Calabasas, Calif., for "Prelude to New Life"

 of Lancaster, Pa., for "Forever Hopeful"

 of Annapolis, Md., for "Sailors Take Warning"

"It is my pleasure to congratulate the winning artists for the outstanding work that has been selected to be featured 

® magazine's "Healing Through Hues" calendar," said Mike Hennessy Jr., president and CEO of MJH Life Sciences™, parent company of CURE Media Group. "We received so many powerful and moving submissions from across the United States and would like to thank everyone that submitted their artwork for consideration."

CURE Media Group is the leading resource for cancer updates, research and education. Launched in 2002 and now celebrating its 20th anniversary, 

® has become the most widely distributed and read consumer publication in the United States for patients with cancer, survivors, and their caregivers. The platform combines a full suite of media products, including its industry-leading website 

; innovative video programs, such as "CURE Connections®"; a series of educational and inspirational events; and 

® magazine, which reaches more than 1 million readers. CURE Media Group is a brand of 

™, the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in North America, dedicated to delivering trusted health care news across multiple channels.

Twelve winners were selected from 113 submissions to have their artwork featured in its annual calendar contest.

CURE Media Group Announces Winners of 2022 Calendar Contest

CRANBURY, N.J., Nov. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 

, the industry-leading multimedia platform devoted to cancer updates, research and education that reaches over 1 million patients, survivors and caregivers, is excited to announce the addition of nine new partners to its Strategic Alliance Partnership (SAP) program.

"We are honored to welcome nine prominent organizations to our SAP program," said Mike Hennessy Jr., president and CEO of MJH Life Sciences™, parent company of CURE Media Group. "These new alliances will lead to outstanding collaborative efforts and positive results that will help us optimize patient care."

The SAP program brings together advocacy organizations, medical associations and institutions, and community cancer centers with national reach and visibility. By utilizing the MJH Life Sciences™ oncology communications platform, they are able to showcase cutting-edge initiatives, content, research and thought leadership. The SAP program fosters collaboration and an open exchange of information among trusted peers for the benefit of patients and their families. As part of this joint effort, CURE Media Group will work with these partners to share information and highlight the different cancer communities they support.

For a full list of CURE Media Group's SAP partners, click 


CURE Media Group is the leading resource for cancer updates, research and education. It combines a full suite of media products, including its industry-leading website 

; innovative video programs, such as "CURE Connections®"; a series of widely attended events; and 

® magazine, which reaches more than 1 million readers. CURE Media Group is a brand of 

The SAP program is a collaborative platform to showcase cutting-edge initiatives, research, and thought leadership.

CURE Media Group Welcomes Nine New Partners to Strategic Alliance Partnership Program

CRANBURY, N.J., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 

, the industry-leading multimedia platform devoted to cancer updates, research and education that reaches over 1 million patients, survivors and caregivers, is delighted to announce the winners of the 

"We are so excited to recognize the three winners of this year's Lung Cancer Heroes® program," said Mike Hennessy Jr., president, and CEO of MJH Life Sciences™, parent company of CURE Media Group. "With help from our friends at Takeda, I am honored to present this year's winners. Each of these individuals exemplifies everything that a hero is to us, someone who has had a profoundly positive impact on the lives of patients with lung cancer."

, a lung cancer survivor from Denver, Colorado. After noting the lack of initiatives from cancer centers across the country to advance Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November 2020, Heidi's husband made her a large wooden white ribbon, which marked the beginning of The White Ribbon Project, directed by Heidi. Today, there are nearly 1,000 white ribbons across the globe that have ignited positive change, made a significant impact in the lives of many, and formed a community of survivors, researchers, physicians, and clinicians. The White Ribbon Project has helped provide direct access to information, resources, and empowerment in the lung cancer community.

 a clinician, researcher, and educator of Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia. An established authority in the field of lung cancer immunotherapy, Borghaei has led numerous investigator-initiated trials and was the first author to publish on the role of immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer in the 

. He serves the lung cancer community nationally and internationally.

 of Mount Sinai Health System, New York. During his time as a researcher, educator, and administrator, Dr. Rosenzweig has made significant contributions to the lung cancer field and maintained a clinical practice devoted to improving the lives of lung cancer patients. He has also been awarded the Cullman Family Award for Excellence in Physician Communication, which is bestowed upon the top 1% of physicians.

"Takeda is honored to partner with CURE and the patient advocacy community to sponsor the Lung Cancer Heroes program again this year. We celebrate the work of these individuals who have made an important impact in the lung cancer community," said Fatima Scipione, head of Patient Advocacy and Engagement, Takeda Oncology. "We are inspired by the work and dedication of the Lung Cancer Heroes being recognized today. Together, we are committed to advancing research and leveraging science to improve the lives of people living with lung cancer."

The Lung Cancer Heroes® celebration will take place virtually on Thursday, October 28, 2021, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. EDT.

For more information on the 2021 Lung Cancer Heroes® program, or to register, click 

This event is sponsored by Takeda in partnership with Lung Force, the GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer, LUNGevity, the Lung Cancer Foundation of America, and the Lung Cancer Research Foundation.

CURE Media Group is the leading resource for cancer updates, research, and education. It combines a full suite of media products, including its industry-leading website, 

; innovative video programs, such as "CURE Connections®"; a series of widely attended events; and 

® magazine, which reaches more than 1 million readers. CURE Media Group is a brand of 

The second annual awards program will honor three heroes for their contributions to the lung cancer community.

CURE Media Group Announces 2021 Lung Cancer Heroes® Award Winners

CRANBURY, N.J., Sept. 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 

, the industry-leading multimedia platform devoted to cancer updates, research and education that reaches over 1 million patients, survivors and caregivers, is thrilled to announce the winners of its first poetry contest.

"It is an honor to recognize the personal and impactful work of individuals who have had their lives affected by cancer," said Mike Hennessy Jr., president and CEO of MJH Life Sciences™, parent company of CURE Media Group. "We received many outstanding submissions, and the incredible response to the program reinforces the mission we are trying to accomplish — inspiring our audience. Congratulations to this year's winners!"

The winners of the 2021 poetry contest are:

 Written in honor of Dr. Oliver Press, who treated Strickland received a diagnosis of CLL. Press later died from brain cancer himself.

 This poem is about the story of Stewart's journey with therapy due to PTSD from her breast cancer diagnosis. It is about the cancer that continues to get into the session, but the couch that holds her up.

 After Smart received a diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer at 39 years old, losing her hair was one of the most challenging parts of her journey. This poem is about how people say "it's just hair," but to her and other patients it's more than that; it is a sign of the journey they are on and a path they have no control over.

 Written in honor of her friend who passed away from breast cancer, this poem is comprised of text messages between the two women talking through different parts of the journey.


The four winning poems will be featured in 

For more information on CURE Media Group, click 


CURE Media Group is the leading resource for cancer updates, research and education. It combines a full suite of media products, including its industry-leading website, 

; innovative video programs, such as "CURE Connections®"; a series of widely attended events; and 

® magazine, which reaches over 1 million readers. CURE Media Group is a brand of 

™, the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in North America dedicated to delivering trusted health care news across multiple channels. 

Four winning poems were selected out of over 200 entries to be featured in CURE® magazine.

CURE Media Group Selects Winners of Inaugural Poetry Contest

CRANBURY, N.J., Sept. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 

, the industry-leading multimedia platform devoted to cancer updates, research, and education that reaches over 1 million patients, survivors and caregivers, is excited to announce it is now accepting submission for its 3rd annual calendar contest. The contest highlights art that expresses individual experiences with cancer.

"The CURE® Calendar Contest is an amazing opportunity for people whose lives have been impacted by cancer to shed light on their experience in a creative and artistic way," said Mike Hennessy Jr., president and CEO of MJH Life Sciences™, parent company of CURE® Media Group. "I look forward to seeing the incredible submissions the contest will draw in its third year."

Winners will be selected based on the following criteria:

The artist must submit an image of any kind of original visual art, such as a painting, sketch, or sculpture.

The artist must submit a title and a short description for their artwork that states its meaning to them, how it relates to the cancer experience and what medium(s) they used to create the work.

The artist can submit more than one artwork but will only win for one piece if selected.

The artwork must be submitted by, and attributed to, its creator(s).


Submissions will be accepted through October 15, 2021. Those should submit a high-resolution photo of their work to 

 with the subject line "2022 Calendar Contest".

Readers who do not wish to participate in the calendar contest but still wish to submit artwork to appear in our online gallery are encouraged to do so throughout the year. Those submissions may also be considered for inclusion in the print or online 

For the full list of criteria, more information about the 2022 CURE® Calendar Contest, and to view the CURE® art gallery, click 

CURE® Media Group is the leading resource for cancer updates, research, and education. It combines a full suite of media products, including its industry-leading website, 

™, the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in North America, dedicated to delivering trusted health care news across multiple channels.

Artwork from twelve artists will be selected for inclusion in the 2022 CURE® calendar.

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