December 2021 – COA Patient Advocacy Network News Bulletin
Advocacy Chats – Insightful Conversations on Policy Issues & Cancer Research
Caring for the Caregivers: Supporting the Families and Friends of Patients
A cancer diagnosis affects so much more than the patient. It sets into motion a network of family and friends who serve as a vital support system. Caregivers to people with cancer may help with care delivery, transportation, groceries, house cleaning, finances and more. Taking on these responsibilities—in addition to their own work or education—can add stress and worry to a caregiver’s already busy schedule. Often, caregivers don’t know where to turn for relief. Join Rose Gerber and Caregiver Action Network CEO John Schall on December 8, 2021 at 12 p.m. ET to learn how to care for those who care for people with cancer. Register today.
ICYMI: Get to Know Your Oncology Care Team: Oncology Social Workers
Most people know the front-line physicians and nurses who provide cancer treatment. Oncology social workers may be less visible but play a crucial role. These professionals provide mental health support, care planning, coordination between physicians, and other services to keep treatment and recovery on track. Abra Kelson, LICSW, OSW-C, of Northwest Medical Specialties joined Rose Gerber of COA to discuss the day-in-the-life of an oncology social worker and how patients can better utilize them to benefit their care. Stream it on @OncologyCOA’s YouTube channel today.
Chapter Spotlight – CPAN Advocates for the Care
Over the past year, we’ve introduced you to 11 of CPAN’s 31 chapters, located in independent cancer centers across the United States. As the year comes to an end, we want to take the time to celebrate these cancer care providers and highlight all that they do for their patients and community oncology. These community oncology centers provide important cancer support services for patients and their families, including clinical trials, financial counseling, in-house pharmacies, nutritional counseling, on-site imaging, social workers, survivorship care planning, and more.
These chapters work to preserve community oncology at local, state, and national levels. In addition to participating in national CPAN events which includes conferences, Capitol Hill Days, Advocacy Summits, advisory boards, and more, chapters host practice-based advocacy events (live and/or virtual) to educate advocates about important national issues that impact local patient care.
We are so glad we’ve been able to highlight these cancer centers each month, and hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about the chapters that make CPAN so strong.
- Learn more about the community oncology practices listed above and other CPAN chapters and read past News Bulletins.
Community Oncology 101 – Spotlight on Cancer Care: Coordinating Treatment Close to Home
Community oncology is more than helping make medical decisions – it’s about treating the whole patient. Every member of the Texas Oncology team works together to ensure Texans with cancer receive high-quality, coordinated care close to home. Learn more about the how Texas Oncology provides accessible cancer care to Texans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=katRr9PvSjQ
Cancer News You Can Use
Detecting Cancer With A Simple Blood Draw Could Soon Be A Reality – ABC News 11/24
Galleri, a new blood test by health care company GRAIL, is one of the most advanced blood biopsy tests. It works by looking for fragments of DNA in a person’s blood that indicate the presence of more than 50 types of cancer.
Lawmakers Pen Letter To CDC To Address Decline In Breast Cancer Screenings Due To COVID – USA Today 11/12
A group of nearly 40 bipartisan House lawmakers sent a letter to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention asking the agency to address the decline in routine breast cancer screenings caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and to work with Congress to develop solutions to reverse the decrease. Cancer screenings have significantly decreased since the start of the pandemic due to lack of access, fear of contracting COVID-19, and cancellations of elective procedures.
Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake, Adherence Poor For Young Women – HealthDay 11/04
A substantial proportion of women who were not vaccinated for human papillomavirus never received cervical cancer screening or were not up to date on screening recommendations in 2019, according to a research letter published online Oct. 26 in JAMA Network Open.
Resources for Chapters
Millions of people are diagnosed with cancer each year, and every patient has a story. Check out our library of inspiring stories from patients who were treated in a community oncology setting that show what sets it apart from other cancer care options.
Recent News & Updates
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An opportunistic infection is one that a person with a healthy immune system is unlikely to get.
Lately, I have been forgetting that I don't have hair. I involuntarily lift my fingers to my scalp to brush away loose strands, but instead my fingers touch a domed, smooth surface.
