Providing Cancer Patients a Plan for Treatment and Survivorship

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), a cancer survivor, and Congressman Buddy Carter (R-GA) introduced H.R. 4414, the Cancer Care Planning and Communications Act, or CCPCA, bipartisan legislation to establish a Medicare service for cancer care planning.

Cancer care planning has been identified as an element of quality cancer care for all Americans. The National Academy of Medicine, medical professional societies, and cancer patients have embraced the idea that all patients should receive a treatment plan from the cancer care team.

• Benefit to patients: Provides information patients need to make treatment decisions, coordinates their care, and effectively transition from active treatment to survivorship.
• Benefit to providers: Helps ensure the patient is receiving the right care at the right time, care is coordinated, and resources are used effectively.
• Benefit to the health care system: Ensures appropriate and effective use of cancer care resources and encourages delivery of high-quality, coordinated care.

Most cancer patients still do not receive a written plan that explains their diagnosis, prognosis, treatments, and expected symptoms, leaving them to navigate the complexities of a cancer diagnosis without clear direction or knowing what to expect from their care. Research has confirmed that coordinated cancer care outlined in a written care plan—care that integrates active treatment and symptom management—improves patient outcomes, increases patient satisfaction, and reduces utilization of health care resources.