Advocacy Opportunities
Ways to Get Involved
Welcome to NCCS’s Advocacy Opportunities page, your go-to resource for staying informed about the latest engagement opportunities in the cancer community. Whether you are a patient, survivor, caregiver, or advocate, there are many ways you can get involved and make a difference.
This page provides a list of upcoming events, webinars, conferences, and advocacy campaigns from NCCS and other leading cancer organizations. From policy initiatives and surveys to educational webinars, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved.
At NCCS, we are committed to providing resources and support to those who want to make a difference. Whether you are looking to volunteer your time, share your story, or advocate for change, we are here to help.
Browse our list of advocacy opportunities today and find your perfect way to get involved.
NCCS EVENTS
The Promise and Challenges of Multi-Cancer Early Detection Tools (MCED)
Virtual Webinar
This insightful webinar discussion explores the groundbreaking field of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tools. As advancements in technology and biology open new avenues for cancer screening, the potential to detect multiple cancer types at earlier stages is both promising and complex.
Family Building and Cancer
Virtual Webinar
Being diagnosed with cancer at a young age could mean your future fertility is at risk. In this educational webinar for cancer patients and their care teams, we discussed what young cancer patients need to know about fertility preservation and building a family in survivorship, including non-traditional methods like adoption, surrogacy, and embryo donation.
Open Enrollment Webinar: Choosing Health Coverage As a Cancer Survivor
Virtual Webinar
Open enrollment is your opportunity to enroll in or make changes to your health insurance plan. In this webinar, we discussed what cancer survivors should consider in assessing their insurance coverage so you can select the best plan for you.
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
NCI Office of Cancer Survivorship (OCS)
Webinar
April 29, 2025
2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
Testicular Cancer Survivorship: Current State and Future Opportunities
Join the NCI Office of Cancer Survivorship (OCS) for this OCS Director’s Series webinar on April 29. Dr. Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan will present Testicular Cancer Survivorship: Current State and Future Opportunities.
The intended audience is researchers, advocates, clinicians, and policy makers interested in cancer survivorship.
Reasonable Accommodations:
Individuals who need reasonable accommodations to participate in this event should contact Crystal Reed at crystal.reed@nih.gov. Requests should be made at least five business days in advance of the event.
NCI Office of Cancer Survivorship (OCS)
Webinar
May 20, 2025
2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
Waiting Rooms and Lost Days: Measuring the Time Costs of Cancer Care
Join the NCI Office of Cancer Survivorship (OCS) for this OCS Director’s Series webinar on May 20. Dr. Rachel I. Vogel and Dr. Julian Wolfson will present Waiting Rooms and Lost Days: Measuring the Time Costs of Cancer Care.
The intended audience is researchers, advocates, clinicians, and policy makers interested in cancer survivorship.
Reasonable Accommodations:
Individuals who need reasonable accommodations to participate in this event should contact Crystal Reed at crystal.reed@nih.gov. Requests should be made at least five business days in advance of the event.
Psycho-Oncology Lab
Interview Study
Are you an 18-39 year old cancer survivor?
The Psycho-Oncology Lab at Hunter College (CUNY) is seeking research participants for a paid interview study. Earn $80 for participation. To see if you are eligible, complete the online screener here:
CURE®
Survey
Help Shape the Future of Cancer Education — Share Your Insights
Since 2002, CURE® has provided trusted cancer updates, research, and education. As we continue to evolve, we want to hear directly from you—patients, survivors, and caregivers—about how you prefer to learn and access cancer information.
What challenges do you face when searching for information? What resources do you wish existed? What topics need more attention? Your insights will help uncover gaps in cancer education and identify new ways to make information more accessible, useful, and supportive.
This short survey is your opportunity to share what’s working, what’s missing, and what would make learning about cancer easier for you.
Your voice matters. Help shape the future of cancer education by sharing your perspective today.
University of Minnesota
Research Study
Connecting Patients with Cancer to Social Support Resources
Are you a caregiver for someone with a cancer diagnosis?
Social determinants of health (SDoH) such as housing instability, food insecurity, and financial burden largely shape the health and well-being of individuals. With new advancements in treatment and rising out-of-pocket expenses, individuals facing cancer are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of SDoH.
Receive $25 for participating.
Interested? Questions? Contact the study team at 612-626-4816 or email connectednest@umn.edu.
UT Health San Antonio
Research Study
“Using Holistic Approaches to Optimize for Latina Cancer Survivors”
UT Health San Antonio is seeking breast cancer survivors to participate in a research study titled, “Using Holistic Approaches to Optimize for Latina Cancer Survivors”. The study includes:
- Individualized Therapeutic Yoga/Mediation
- Nutrition Counseling
- Psychosocial Support
To learn more/register contact:
Sarai Llamas
210-550-3962
Saraellamas.17@gmail.com
or
Dr. Daniel C. Hughes
210-562-6506
hughesdc@uthscsa.edu
Global Survey on Psychosocial Oncology
Survey
Participate in this global survey to better understand the social, emotional, and mental health challenges faced by individuals with cancer and survivors. The goal is to identify barriers and improve the quality and accessibility of essential support services.
ViVE: Center for Virtual Care Value and Equity
Research Study
Are you a breast or prostate cancer survivor in the U.S.?
Join our research study:
Help UNC discover if AI chatbots give quality, accurate healthcare advice to cancer survivors!
University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center: Community-Based Health Equity Research Program – weSurvive Study
Research Study
The University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Community-Based Health Equity Research Program is testing an innovative program to help rural cancer survivors improve their quality of life by helping them engage in healthful eating and activity habits.
Details: weSurvive is specifically designed for cancer survivors living in rural Appalachia regions or nearby counties. weSurvive was developed due to the disproportionate impact of cancer in rural Appalachia communities, as well as the limited access to evidence-based programs for cancer survivors in the region.
See the study flyer for further details. Scan the QR code or contact Kathleen Porter, PhD via email at kjporter@virginia.edu, or call (434) 235-1112 to learn more and join.
SPAACES: Sustaining Physical Activity After Cancer Exercise Sessions
Research Study
Join the SPAACES study to help researchers understand the best way to help maintain a physical activity routine.
The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility and effects of a 12-week maintenance intervention on physical activity levels six months after completing a community-based exercise oncology program. Research will consist of physical assessments, activity monitoring, questionnaires, exercise and discussion sessions, and an optional focus group.
Three months after the program ends, you will be recontacted to participate in a three-month physical activity maintenance intervention, for a total study participation time of 9-months. There will be a total of four study visits, and they will take place at or near the location of the community-based exercise oncology program that you participate in and/or virtually.
You may be eligible if:
- Planning to participate in STAC, BfitBwell, or Fit Cancer programs
- You have been diagnosed with any type of cancer
- You have completed primary cancer treatment within the past 5 years
There is no cost to participate and you will be compensated for your time to participate in this study. You will also receive study branded items such as a water bottle and tote bag.
Staying Connected through Communication Survey
Paid Online Survey/Research
Paid online survey about communication experiences – for US residents only
Staying Connected through Communication Survey
The University of Washington SPEAC Lab is inviting individuals who have had a total laryngectomy to answer survey questions about their communication experiences. Participants are invited to nominate at least one family member, friend, or coworker to also answer survey questions. People with total laryngectomy and their family / friends / coworkers will complete SEPARATE surveys. Your participation will help healthcare providers support people with laryngectomy and the important people in their lives to stay connected through communication. This is an online survey study that will take about 30-45 minutes. We can also mail a paper survey if requested.
Each participant will be mailed a $25 check upon survey completion.
To participate, click here: https://redcap.link/stayingconnected
The person with the laryngectomy needs to start first and then nominate their family member / friend /coworker to participate.
For more information, visit: https://sites.uw.edu/speaclab/
For questions, please contact: speaclab@uw.edu
Poor Sleep During Treatment for Blood Cancer: NIH Study
Research Study
Are you receiving treatment for a blood cancer diagnosis and struggling with poor sleep? You may be eligible to participate in a NIH-funded study for blood cancer patients with poor sleep. Dr. Ruben Mesa and Dr. Jennifer Huberty of Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio are conducting a 20-week research study that aims to test a digital health wellness intervention among adult blood cancer patients that are currently undergoing treatment.
Participation involves:
• Completing online surveys
• Wearing a sleep device on index finger and tracking nightly sleep
• Providing 3 blood samples at a nearby lab
• Being randomized to use one of two wellness apps
• Using wellness app 10 minutes per day for 8 weeks
They are looking for US based adults with a blood cancer diagnosis to enroll in a 20 week remote study of an app based wellness intervention. Participants can earn up to $100 for completing all study related measures.
National Cancer Plan
Digital Toolkit
The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Nation Cancer Plan now has a Digital Toolkit for advocates and advocacy organizations that would like to show support for the National Cancer Plan.
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Online Training
Would you like to learn more about American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) cancer survivorship care guidelines? Look no further than the GW Cancer Center’s free, on-line training! It will introduce you to guidelines addressing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy management, fertility preservation, and osteoporosis management in adult survivors with nonmetastatic disease.
Survey Opportunity — Providers and Adult Cancer Survivors
Survey Opportunity
The University of South Carolina invites you to participate in a study to better understand stakeholders knowledge related to cancer related fatigue. This study is for healthcare providers who treat those with cancer or adults with a current or previous diagnosis of cancer. The survey will last approximately 5 minutes. Please use the appropriate survey link provided below:
Healthcare provider:
https://redcap.healthsciencessc.org/surveys/?s=EJ38EWJD3NTNXDL4
Adult with a current or previous cancer diagnosis:
https://redcap.healthsciencessc.org/surveys/?s=3YM7CJTK7PFFE4ET