Cancer Advocacy Partners
The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF)
The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF) was established by the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) in 1991 to develop educational programs for women, and create awareness about the prevention, early detection and treatment of gynecologic cancers. The Foundation also supports research and training related to gynecologic cancers. Gynecologic cancers are the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells originating in the female reproductive organs, including the cervix, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina, and vulva. The Foundation also sponsors the Woman’s Cancer Network (WCN), a comprehensive gynecologic cancer Internet resource developed to help women discover their potential risks for gynecologic and breast cancers. The site also provides practical information for women who have developed cancer, and their families, including information about their disease, available treatment options, access to emerging and experimental therapies, and cancer treatment specialists in their area.
The National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC)
The National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) is a grassroots membership organization dedicated to ending breast cancer through the power of action and advocacy. Along with its research and education arm the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund, the Coalition’s main goals are to increase federal funding for breast cancer research; improve access to high-quality health care and breast cancer clinical trials for all women; and expand the influence of breast cancer advocates wherever breast cancer decisions are made.
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) is a 21-year-old cancer advocacy organization founded by and for cancer survivors. In pursuit of its mission, NCCS’s vision is to empower every cancer survivor to advocate for quality cancer care for all Americans. NCCS engages in evidence-based advocacy that calls for transparency and accountability in how our nation researches, regulates, finances and delivers quality cancer care. In addition to advocacy at the federal level, patient education is a priority for NCCS. Access to credible and accurate patient information is fundamental to understanding and receiving quality cancer care. NCCS pioneered the definition of survivorship and defines someone as a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis and for the balance of life, The founders of NCCS expanded that definition to include family, friends, and caregivers. Today, there are more than 10 million Americans living with a personal history of cancer and millions more whose lives have been impacted by this disease. NCCS provides tools and information for people to become strong advocates for their own care or the care of others. Individuals interested in influencing federal policies that govern cancer care can join NCCS’s Cancer Advocacy Now!™ network at www.canceradvocacy.org.
The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance’s (OCNA)
The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance’s (OCNA) mission is to conquer ovarian cancer by uniting individuals and organizations in a national movement. Since its inception in 1997, the Alliance has been the face and voice of a national network of ovarian cancer survivors and activists dedicated to finding an effective screening test and a cure. The Alliance is spearheading the National Agenda for Ovarian Cancer, the ovarian cancer community’s first national roadmap to advance research and patient care into the next decade. The plan will identify and implement measurable goals to evolve research, improve access to quality care and accelerate advocacy. The Alliance is the only national advocacy organization focused exclusively on legislative issues of importance to the ovarian cancer community. These issues include ensuring adequate and sustained federal funding for ovarian cancer research and education and awareness programs. Its initiatives include Survivors Teaching Students: Saving Women’s Livessm in which survivors speak to third-year medical students about ovarian cancer’s symptoms and risk factors to help them gain perspective on the real life experiences and emotions of survivors. The Alliance provides an online forum for people dealing with ovarian cancer that includes discussion rooms, blogs, and an opportunity to connect virtually with others facing the same issues. In addition, the Alliance provides a clinical trials matching service, powered by EmergingMed, to help women locate clinical trials being conducted in the United States. www.ovariancancer.org
