CLC endorses Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act
(June 27, 2007)

June 27, 2007

The undersigned organizations, representing cancer survivors, physicians, and researchers, are writing to express our strong support for H.R. 1078, the Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act. This legislation is a significant step toward a cancer care system that coordinates all elements of care and enhances communication between patients and physicians.

Cancer survivors face difficult choices from the time of diagnosis and may confront special challenges coordinating their therapy with proper management of the symptoms of cancer and side effects of care, including nausea and vomiting, pain, fatigue, and depression. Cancer care is complicated, requiring the involvement of a multi-disciplinary care team and including active treatment, symptom management, and monitoring of the late and long-term effects of treatment. Cancer survivors who enjoy a long life after diagnosis may require intensive treatment for the side effects of their initial therapy. We commend the sponsors of H.R. 1078 for recognizing these fundamental facts of cancer care and addressing them in a meaningful way.

H.R. 1078 would ensure that Medicare patients receive coordinated and high quality cancer care by covering physician services for development of written care plans and follow-up survivorship plans. The bill would also enhance the design and implementation of systems for coordinated cancer care and the training of professionals in a comprehensive and coordinated approach to cancer therapy.

The Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act, sponsored by Representatives Lois Capps (D-CA) and Tom Davis (R-VA), would boost the quality of cancer care for Medicare beneficiaries and influence the delivery of care to all cancer survivors. We strongly urge your support for this legislation.

Sincerely,

Cancer Leadership Council

American Psychosocial Oncology Society
American Society of Clinical Oncology
American Society for Therapeutic Radiology & Oncology
Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network
C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition
Cancer Care
Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation
The Children's Cause for Cancer Advocacy
Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups
Fertile Hope
Gilda's Club Worldwide
International Myeloma Foundation
Kidney Cancer Association
Lance Armstrong Foundation
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Lung Cancer Alliance
Lymphoma Research Foundation
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
National Lung Cancer Partnership
National Patient Advocate Foundation
National Prostate Cancer Coalition
North American Brain Tumor Coalition
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Sarcoma Foundation of America
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network
The Wellness Community
Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization

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