
NCCS’ Paper on Oncologist-Patient Communication Published in Evidence-Based Oncology Journal
Earlier this year, the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) conducted focus groups with patients and oncologists to gain insight into this critical relationship, hear what patients and physicians consider good communication, and determine what strategies could improve effective communication. An article describing the learnings from the focus groups was ...

NCCS Comments on CMS’s Proposed Revisions to the 2017 Physician Fee Schedule
NCCS submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the proposed revisions to the 2017 Physician Fee Schedule. Our comments noted our support for the Oncology Care Model, but acknowledged that only a minority of cancer care providers and cancer patients will be part of this ...

Highlights from the 2016 CPAT Symposium and Hill Day
In June, over 50 patient advocates gathered in Washington, D.C. to take part in the NCCS 2016 Cancer Policy & Advocacy Team (CPAT) Symposium and Hill Day. Days One and Two Attendees heard and participated in a number of informational presentations, including “Current Issues in Cancer Care: The Economics of ...

Watch the Complete Video Recording of the Ellen Stovall Tribute Service
On February 24, 2016, a tribute to celebrate the life and legacy of Ellen Stovall was held at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, D.C. Family, friends, and colleagues shared their touching memories about a woman who was dedicated to her family, a three-time cancer survivor, and a tireless ...

NCCS Offers Comments on Alternative Payment Models for Cancer Care as Part of the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS)
NCCS submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in response to its request for feedback on the implementation key provisions of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA). Specifically, we offered comments on alternative payment models for cancer care as part of the ...

Dr. Julia Rowland Discusses the Importance of Psychosocial Care: Engagement and Dialogue
This post is part of our 20 Years Later blog series which examines progress in advancing the principles in the 1995 NCCS publication Imperatives for Quality Cancer Care: Access, Advocacy, Action, and Accountability(Imperatives). The eleventh principle states that “Psychosocial research is integral to comprehensive cancer care and, as such, psychosocial outcome measures should be ...

Video Post: Dr. Fred Smith Discusses Payment Systems in Cancer Care
Earlier this year, Dr. Fred Smith participated in a National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship Cancer Policy Roundtable panel addressing the question of whether new cancer care payment systems foster the delivery of the right treatment at the right time. VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: I'm Fred Smith, I'm a practicing medical oncologist in ...

WCOE: The Dempsey Challenge, The 100 Day Project, LGBT HealthLink E-Summit, Integrating Palliative Care in Cancer Treatment, and More News
What Caught Our Eye (WCOE) Each week, we recap the cancer policy articles, studies, and stories that caught our attention. It's finally here! We're @DempChallenge w @CancerAdvocacy @CancerSupportCM @PreventCancer @PatrickDempsey! It's going to be a great #Maine!— BreakawayfromCancer (@BreakawayCancer) October 16, 2015 https://twitter.com/NikiBarrPhD/status/655062042769006592 Dr Diane Portman on Integrating Palliative Care ...

Video Post: Dr. Bob Carlson and Joan McClure Discuss the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is a non-profit organization, created by an alliance of 26 leading cancer centers in the United States. At the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship's 2015 Spring Cancer Policy Roundtable, Dr. Bob Carlson and Joan McClure of NCCN sat down with us to talk about ...

Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Student’s Perspective
Recently I had the privilege of attending “A Journey of Courage and Hope: The Johns Hopkins Metastatic Breast Cancer Retreat for Couples.” Facilitated by a renowned leader in patient-centered breast cancer care, Lillie Shockney, this unique retreat for patients and their spouses explores the resources to cope physically, financially, and ...