• Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Rss
  • Store
  • Donate
NCCS - National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
  • About
    • Our Mission
    • Our History
    • The 1986 Club
    • Our Team
      • Policy Advisors
    • Employment
    • Partnerships
    • Financial Information
  • Policy
    • Quality Cancer Care
    • Access to Care
    • Health Equity
    • Redefining Functional Status (RFS)
    • 2022 State of Cancer Survivorship Survey
    • 2021 State of Cancer Survivorship Survey
    • 2020 State of Cancer Survivorship Survey
    • Cancer Care Planning and Communications Act (CCPCA)
  • Get Involved
    • What is Advocacy?
    • Cancer Policy and Advocacy Team (CPAT)
    • Survivorship Champions
    • Subscribe to NCCS Updates
    • Elevating Survivorship
    • Survivor Stories
    • Cancerversary
    • State-Based Cancer Advocacy
  • Resources
    • COVID-19 Resources for Cancer Survivors
    • Survivorship Checklist
    • Cancer Survival Toolbox
    • Telehealth
    • Publications
      • Talking With Your Doctor
      • Self Advocacy
      • Employment Rights
      • Remaining Hopeful
    • Cancer Convos Podcast
    • Taking Charge of Your Care
    • Care Planning for Cancer Survivors
    • Tools For Care Providers
    • Order Our Resources
  • News
  • Events
    • Ellen L. Stovall Award
      • 2022 Winners
      • Awardees
      • Sponsors
      • Committees
    • Cancer Policy Roundtable (CPR)
      • Fall 2022 CPR
      • Spring 2022 CPR
      • Fall 2021 CPR
      • Spring 2021 CPR
      • Fall 2020 CPR
      • Spring 2020 CPR
    • Cancer Policy and Advocacy Team (CPAT) Virtual Symposium 2022
    • 2022 State of Survivorship Survey Results
    • Webinars
  • Contact Us
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
  • 0Shopping Cart

Your generous year-end donation will be matched $1 for $1    DONATE

20years

Revisiting the Fifth Principle of the Imperatives for Quality Cancer Care

May 11, 2015/in Cancer News, Cancer Policy Blog Access to Care, Affordable Care Act, Care Planning, Clinical Guidelines, Quality Cancer Care, Survivorship Care NCCS News /by actualize

This month, as part of the 20 Years Later blog series, we are revisiting the fifth principle of the Imperatives for Quality Cancer Care: Access, Advocacy, and Accountability. This principle states: “People with cancer should be provided a range of benefits by all health care plans that includes primary and secondary prevention, early detection, initial treatment, supportive therapies to manage pain, nausea, fatigue and infections, long-term follow up, psychosocial services, palliative care, hospice care, and bereavement counseling.”

We will consider the components of care and assess the availability in today’s health care plans of the following:

  • Primary and Secondary Prevention
  • Supportive Care (psychosocial)

Primary and Secondary Prevention

Primary and secondary preventative measures are actions and interventions designed to prevent cancer from occurring in the first place, or to identify the disease at the earliest stages, with the goal of reducing the impact of the disease.

20 Years Later

In 2015, we’re revisiting the influential “Imperatives for Quality Cancer Care” publication. Read more posts from our “20 Years Later” series.

Since 1991, NCCS has appeared before the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations for the National Institutes of Health to testify on behalf of specific requests for increased research funding to identify the causes of cancer, as well as issues related to diagnosis, prevention, and continued care for cancer patients and their families. An important step toward increasing access to preventive care is the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA), which requires that all plans purchased through the Marketplace and some others cover a variety of free preventive services. These include annual wellness visits, cervical and colorectal cancer screening, diet, obesity, and tobacco use screening, and immunization vaccines—all of which are provided without cost-sharing obligations.

Cancer screening is now a complicated process that includes a range of procedures from imaging, to physical exams, to bloodwork and, most recently, to genetic testing. We have closely monitored the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) efforts to develop a strong regulatory framework for Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs)—sometimes used to diagnose genetic causes of cancer—to encourage more certainty and predictability. We believe the thoughtful and cautious oversight of these tests can reduce harm to patients. If these tests do not accurately diagnose cancer or properly identify a genetic mutation, a patient could be improperly treated, receiving either unnecessary treatment or no treatment at all.

Additionally, there is much to be determined with regards to defining the risks and benefits of screening. For example, mammography and breast cancer screening remains a highly contested issue, with concerns that women are often overdiagnosed, or overtreated for cancers that will not cause harm. Proponents argue that early detection unequivocally saves lives. The discourse surrounding this and other screening issues will continue to change as new technologies and findings emerge, and will require continuous monitoring by patient advocates to ensure that the consumers of these procedures are receiving the right care at the right time.

While progress is being made in making preventive services accessible, responsibility still falls on the patients. Individuals putting off doctors visits, or opting out of screenings altogether, highlight an issue in public health – individual responsibility and consumer awareness. NCCS and other organizations are dedicated to ensuring patients have access to preventive services, that screening guidelines are evidence-based, and that patients are informed of risks and benefits associated with screening.

Supportive Care (psychosocial)

Cancer patients and physicians are becoming more aware of supportive care and psychosocial needs as an integral part of quality cancer care. This includes the emotional stress of living with a diagnosis of cancer and its treatment, fear of recurrence, anxiety about financial obligations, and the distress imposed on patients and their families of living with the day-to-day physical problems cancer may cause. Assessing the psychosocial concerns and coping mechanisms of patients is of increasing interest to researchers and patient groups who believe this component of care has been long subject to neglect.

Cancer-Survival-Toolbox-Eng-Cover

The supporting documents for the Cancer Survival Toolbox include distress screening resources.

NCCS and other organizations have incorporated screening and psychosocial support tools into patient resources. The support documents for the Cancer Survival Toolbox© include the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines®, a distress management tool that addresses practical, family, emotional, and physical problems, as well as spiritual and religious concerns. Additionally, the Teamwork publication and Pocket Cancer Care Guide iPhone mobile app include a series of questions designed to help facilitate conversations between patients and care providers.

We know that supportive care, including psychosocial care and late and long-term effects are critical to ensuring positive patient outcomes. Survivors and their families should also receive palliative and hospice care when the time is right, and bereavement counseling if necessary. We believe that all cancer patients should receive a cancer care plan to guide their treatment and help coordinate their care. For this reason, we support the Oncology Care Model (OCM), which would require practices to document a care plan that covers diagnosis, treatment goals, plans of treatment, quality of life considerations, care coordination, and psychosocial concerns.

Tags: 20 Years Later, affordable care act, breast cancer, cancer care, Cancer Survivorship, care planning, clinical guidelines, FDA, Patient Navigation, prevention, screening
Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share on LinkedIn
https://canceradvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/20years.gif 500 500 actualize https://canceradvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/NCCA-Logo.png actualize2015-05-11 17:03:092015-05-11 17:03:09Revisiting the Fifth Principle of the Imperatives for Quality Cancer Care

Latest News

NCCS Advocate Spotlight: Sharon Rivera Sanchez - Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor Finds Passion in Fitness and Advocacy

Sharon Rivera-Sanchez: Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor Finds Passion in Fitness and Advocacy

January 12, 2023
As a Triple Negative Breast Cancer survivor, Sharon turned her personal experience into a passion for advocacy and giving back to the community. When she received her diagnosis in May 2015, she remembers being in a state of shock and grief. She said, “You have to allow yourself time to breathe and grieve.”
Read more
https://canceradvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/Advocate-Spotlight-Sharon-Rivera-Sanchez.jpg 600 1200 NCCS Staff https://canceradvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/NCCA-Logo.png NCCS Staff2023-01-12 15:24:442023-01-12 15:24:44Sharon Rivera-Sanchez: Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor Finds Passion in Fitness and Advocacy
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz introduces Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act at December 14, 2022 press conference.

NCCS Celebrates Launch of Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act

December 14, 2022
Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), a champion for cancer survivors and a survivor herself, held a press conference today…
Read more
https://canceradvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/CCSA-Blog-Featured-Image-1200-×-600-px-1.png 600 1200 Kara Kenan https://canceradvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/NCCA-Logo.png Kara Kenan2022-12-14 16:03:462022-12-14 16:03:46NCCS Celebrates Launch of Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act
Alique Topalian, PhD, MPH Advocate Spotlight

Alique Topalian: Childhood Cancer and the Frightening Realities of the Survivorship Journey

December 7, 2022
Alique was first diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) at the age of four. Her mother, Michele, knew something was wrong because “the light in her eyes was gone”. After being told by doctors that there was nothing wrong, her family was relentless until new blood work uncovered blast cells.
Read more
https://canceradvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/Alique-Topalian-Advocate-Spotlight.jpg 600 1200 NCCS Staff https://canceradvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/NCCA-Logo.png NCCS Staff2022-12-07 11:46:562022-12-07 11:48:28Alique Topalian: Childhood Cancer and the Frightening Realities of the Survivorship Journey

Take Action

Make An Impact

We are relentless in improving the quality of care and life after a cancer diagnosis. Your support makes all the difference right now.

Make a Gift »

Join CPAT

The NCCS Cancer Policy & Advocacy Team (CPAT) is a program for survivors and caregivers to learn about pressing policy issues that affect quality cancer care in order to be engaged as advocates in public policy around the needs of cancer survivors.

Share Your Story

NCCS represents the millions of Americans who share a common experience – the survivorship experience – living with, through and beyond a cancer diagnosis.

STAY CONNECTED

Together we can improve cancer care for survivors! Sign up to be the first to know about cancer policy issues and ways to take action

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

  • About
    • Our Mission
    • Our History
    • The 1986 Club
    • Our Team
      • Policy Advisors
    • Employment
    • Partnerships
    • Financial Information
  • Policy
    • Quality Cancer Care
    • Access to Care
    • Health Equity
    • Redefining Functional Status (RFS)
    • 2022 State of Cancer Survivorship Survey
    • 2021 State of Cancer Survivorship Survey
    • 2020 State of Cancer Survivorship Survey
    • Cancer Care Planning and Communications Act (CCPCA)
  • Get Involved
    • What is Advocacy?
    • Cancer Policy and Advocacy Team (CPAT)
    • Survivorship Champions
    • Subscribe to NCCS Updates
    • Elevating Survivorship
    • Survivor Stories
    • Cancerversary
    • State-Based Cancer Advocacy
  • Resources
    • COVID-19 Resources for Cancer Survivors
    • Survivorship Checklist
    • Cancer Survival Toolbox
    • Telehealth
    • Publications
      • Talking With Your Doctor
      • Self Advocacy
      • Employment Rights
      • Remaining Hopeful
    • Cancer Convos Podcast
    • Taking Charge of Your Care
    • Care Planning for Cancer Survivors
    • Tools For Care Providers
    • Order Our Resources
  • News
  • Events
    • Ellen L. Stovall Award
      • 2022 Winners
      • Awardees
      • Sponsors
      • Committees
    • Cancer Policy Roundtable (CPR)
      • Fall 2022 CPR
      • Spring 2022 CPR
      • Fall 2021 CPR
      • Spring 2021 CPR
      • Fall 2020 CPR
      • Spring 2020 CPR
    • Cancer Policy and Advocacy Team (CPAT) Virtual Symposium 2022
    • 2022 State of Survivorship Survey Results
    • Webinars
  • Contact Us

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
8455 Colesville Road  |  Suite 930  |  Silver Spring, MD 20910
877-NCCS-YES  |  info@canceradvocacy.org
Privacy Policy  |  Terms and Conditions

Copyright © 1995-2023 by the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, NCCS, Cancer Survival Toolbox, and related Logos are registered in the United States as trademarks of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship.

Dr. Atul Gawande’s Recent “Overkill” Article Examines Screening,... AtulGawande New Headshot ProfilePhoto The Culmination of 20 Years of Advocacy Guest Post: The Progress of Prevention—The Culmination of 20 Years of Adv...
Scroll to top
Download the Survey Report

"*" indicates required fields

Fill out the form below, and we’ll send the survey report, detailed presentation, and infographic to your email.
Name*
I am a...*
Select any/all that apply.
Consent*
By downloading the survey materials, you will receive updates and information from NCCS via email, which you may unsubscribe from at any time. Your information will never be sold to any third parties.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Get Updates From NCCS

Be the first to hear about cancer policy and survivorship issues! Subscribe and receive the biweekly NCCS Health Care Roundup, invites to webinars and events, and more.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Connect With Us

Twitter     Facebook     Instagram     LinkedIn     YouTube

Harmar Brereton, MD

Founder
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute

 

“Perhaps one of the most impactful collaborations in Dr. Brereton’s extraordinary career remains his early work and long friendship with Ellen Stovall. Through him, and in turn through the thousands of lives he has touched, Ellen’s work continues, and her mission lives on.”

—Karen M. Saunders
President, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute