From Counselor to Cancer Advocate: Arlene Kutoroff’s Journey of Strength, Intuition, and Impact
Meet Arlene Kutoroff. She’s a fiercely independent survivor and longtime volunteer advocate who channels her background in counseling into helping others navigate life after cancer.
NCCS Statement on President Joe Biden’s Diagnosis with Metastatic Prostate Cancer
We are deeply saddened to learn of President Joe Biden’s diagnosis with metastatic prostate cancer. As a father, a caregiver, and a tireless champion for cancer survivors, President Biden has made a profound personal and public investment in improving cancer care. His Cancer Moonshot initiative redefined what is possible — accelerating progress, sparking collaboration, and […]
Gena Gurman: Bridging the Gap in Survivorship Care with Compassion, Creativity, and Cognitive Support
Meet Gena Gurman, OTDS. An occupational therapy doctoral student, Gena created a powerful new resource to help cancer survivors understand and manage cognitive changes after treatment.
Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan to Receive Public Service Leadership Award from National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kara Kenan | kkenan@canceradvocacy.org | 910-465-6286 WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) is proud to announce that former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan will be honored with the Public Service Leadership Award at the Igniting Hope Awards Reception, to be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at The […]
NCCS Joins 35+ National Organizations in Opposing Harmful Medicaid Cuts
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) proudly joined more than 35 national patient advocacy organizations in signing a joint letter urging Congress to reject devastating cuts to Medicaid proposed in the FY25 budget reconciliation package. The letter, coordinated by the Partnership to Protect Coverage (PPC), highlights how these cuts would jeopardize access to life-saving […]
Webinar – Understanding Medicaid: What Advocates Need to Know
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) presents “Understanding Medicaid: What Advocates Need to Know.” Designed for cancer survivors, caregivers, and health care professionals, this session sheds light on Medicaid’s critical role in providing health coverage to 74 million Americans, including cancer survivors and their families. During this educational webinar, we explore the essentials of […]
NCCS Urges Support for CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), alongside numerous national health organizations, has signed a statement urging Congress to reject the proposed elimination of the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health (OSH). Tobacco use remains a leading preventable cause of cancer and other chronic diseases, disproportionately impacting underserved communities. Eliminating OSH would dismantle critical programs […]
NCCS Joins 500+ Organizations to Protect HHS Budget Cuts
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) joined over 500 patient advocacy organizations in signing a statement opposing the proposed FY 2026 budget cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The letter, addressed to congressional leaders, warns that reducing HHS discretionary spending by one-third would devastate critical health programs and research infrastructure. […]
Protecting CDC Cancer Programs from FY2026 Budget Cuts
The Cancer Leadership Council (CLC), a coalition of national advocacy organizations including the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), has issued a powerful statement opposing the proposed elimination of the CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control. This alarming recommendation, detailed in the FY 2026 passback budget document, threatens critical programs like cancer registries, colorectal […]
NCCS Warns HHS Reorganization Could Harm Cancer Patients and Slow Research
On April 8, 2025, NCCS and other member organizations of The Cancer Leadership Council issued a response to the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) recent reorganization and reductions in force, highlighting the cancer community’s worries about potential adverse impacts on cancer research, care, and patient outcomes. The statement expresses concern over recent actions […]
NCCS Endorses Bipartisan ROCR Act to Reform Medicare Payments for Radiation Therapy
In a united appeal, NCCS joined more than 100 organizations in endorsing the Radiation Oncology Case Rate (ROCR) Act of 2025 to reform Medicare’s payment system for radiation therapy. This bipartisan bill aims to improve patient access, reduce disparities for rural communities, and enhance cancer treatment quality while saving Medicare $200 million over 10 years. […]
NCCS Welcomes Lisa Montez and Stephen Whisnant to Board of Directors
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Montez and Stephen Whisnant to its Board of Directors. Both are cancer survivors who bring exceptional experience in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of others. Lisa Montez Lisa Montez serves as Senior Counsel of […]
Two Diagnoses, One Mission: Tracy and Tim Steffek on Advocating for Survivors
Meet Tracy and Tim Steffek. After Tracy was diagnosed with breast cancer at 36—just four months postpartum—and then again with tongue cancer one year later, the couple turned their experience into action. Now, they advocate for parents with cancer, push for whole-person care, and fight to make survivorship support a standard, not a privilege.
NCCS Announces New Elevate Ambassadors Selected to Improve Survivorship In Their Communities
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) is proud to announce the participants of the 2025 Elevating Survivorship program. After a competitive application process, NCCS selected 11 individuals from across the United States to serve as Elevate Ambassadors. The Elevate Ambassadors will receive mentorship, support, networking opportunities, and training to develop and execute a plan-of-action for […]
NCCS to Recognize Susan Leigh, BSN, RN and Desirée Walker with 2025 Ellen L. Stovall Award
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Ellen L. Stovall Award for Innovation in Patient-Centered Cancer Care: Susan Leigh, BSN, RN-Retired – Health Care Professional Award Desirée A.H. Walker – Patient Advocate Award The Ellen L. Stovall Award, named in honor of longtime NCCS CEO and […]
Kirby Lewis – A Relentless Voice for Male Breast Cancer and Survivorship
Meet Kirby Lewis. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and later facing metastatic recurrence, he became a passionate advocate, raising awareness that men can get breast cancer too and pushing for better survivorship care. Learn more about Kirby in our Advocate Spotlight.
NCCS Urges the Supreme Court of the United States to Protect the Rights of Individuals with Medicaid Coverage
Today, the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), along with partner organizations, filed an amicus curiae brief with the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) in the case of Medina v. Planned Parenthood. The brief highlights the critical importance of Medicaid in disease prevention and treatment, as well as extensive research showing a strong […]
Adobe StockNational Patient Organizations United in Opposition to House Budget Resolution that Threatens Medicaid Coverage for Millions
The House of Representatives this week will consider a budget resolution instructing the House Energy and Commerce Committee to reduce spending by $880 billion, with most cuts anticipated to target Medicaid. These reductions would have a devastating impact on the nearly 80 million Americans who depend on Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) […]
A Voice for Change: Rebecca Muñoz’s AYA Cancer Journey of Advocacy and Research
Meet Rebecca Muñoz. Diagnosed with breast cancer at 29, she turned her challenges into advocacy, founding Chemotherapy Cold Cappers and working tirelessly to improve care for AYA cancer patients. From testifying for biomarker legislation to mentoring future cancer researchers, Rebecca’s advocacy is creating lasting change. Learn more about Rebecca in this month’s Advocate Spotlight.
NCCS Joins 28 Organizations Expressing Concern to Humana & CMS Over New Coverage Policy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
NCCS was one of twenty-eight organizations to sign patient community letters to Humana and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing concern about Humana’s coverage policy for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The new policy is significantly more restrictive than the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for treatment of NSCLC. […]
NCCS Endorses Health Care Affordability Act
Recently, NCCS endorsed the Health Care Affordability Act — bicameral legislation making permanent the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits (PTCs) for Marketplace coverage as extended through the Inflation Reduction Act. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), if the PTCs are allowed to expire at the end of this year, health care […]
From Diagnosis to Determination: Lou Lanza’s Commitment to Survivorship Advocacy
Meet Lou Lanza. After surviving Stage IIa Large B Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Lou turned his journey into a mission to support survivors, caregivers, and the cancer community through tireless advocacy. Learn more about Lou in this month’s Advocate Spotlight.
2005, The Carter CenterNCCS Mourns the Passing of President Jimmy Carter and Celebrates His Example of Cancer Survivorship
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) mourns the death of President Jimmy Carter at age 100. He lived life well, joyously, and in service to others. President Carter showed cancer survivors the way forward in many ways. First, he was honest and open about his diagnosis and treatment. Then, he embraced treatment for metastatic […]
Webinar – Family Building and Cancer
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) recently presented the webinar “Family Building and Cancer,” for an audience of health care professionals, cancer survivors, and caregivers alike. Being diagnosed with cancer at a young age could mean your future fertility is at risk. During this educational webinar for cancer patients and their care teams, we […]
Monique Wilson – Spreading Joy and Purpose Through Advocacy
Meet Monique Wilson. A breast cancer survivor and advocate, Monique shares joy and empowers others through her work in survivorship and advocacy. Learn more about Monique in this month’s Advocate Spotlight.
Webinar – Multi Cancer Early Detection Tools (MCED): The Promise and Challenges
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) hosted an insightful webinar discussion exploring 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. In this conversation, Dr. Otis Brawley […]
From Research to Advocacy: Dottington Fullwood Champions Equity in Cancer Survivorship
Advocate Spotlight: Dottington Fullwood, EdD, CHES Dr. Dottington Fullwood’s connection to cancer began with a deeply personal and professional commitment to addressing health disparities within marginalized communities. He was first introduced to cancer survivorship research by his mentor, Dr. Folakemi T. Odedina, while working in the Cancer Health Equity Research Program (CHERP) lab at the […]
NCCS Presents The State of Cancer Survivorship: 2024 Survey Results
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) conducts an annual State of Survivorship Survey, in partnership with Edge Research, to explore the cancer survivor journey. This study captures a range of perspectives to better understand how NCCS can support its mission to advocate for quality cancer care for everyone touched by cancer. The 2024 State […]
Susie Leigh – Founding a Movement, Shaping the Future
Meet Susan (Susie) Leigh, a four-time cancer survivor and one of the original founders of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. For decades, Susie has been at the forefront of the cancer survivorship movement, advocating for better care and support for those living with and beyond cancer.
NCCS Submits Comments to CMS on the Proposed 2025 Physician Fee Schedule
NCCS submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the proposed Physician Fee Schedule for CY 2025. Specifically, NCCS’s comments focused on the codes put in place in CY 2024 to reimburse principal illness navigation (PIN), community health integration (CHI), and social determinants of health (SDOH) assessment. We noted several barriers […]
Breaking Down Barriers: Marielle McLeod’s Commitment to Elevating Voices in Cancer Care
Advocate Spotlight: Marielle McLeod Marielle McLeod’s experience with health care began long before she ever faced her own cancer diagnosis. Raised in the Dominican Republic, Marielle was deeply influenced by her grandmother, who worked in a local hospital pharmacy. “She would take me around and walk me through all the clinics and would show me […]
From Empathy to Action: Andrea Anampa-Guzmán’s Commitment to Survivorship Through Care and Advocacy
Advocate Spotlight: Dr. Andrea Anampa-Guzmán Dr. Andrea Anampa-Guzmán’s experience in health care began in Lima, Peru, where she was born and pursued her medical degree at the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. Driven by a deep-rooted passion for helping others and making a tangible impact on people’s lives, Andrea found herself particularly drawn to […]
Patients First: Samantha & Samuel Siegel’s Marriage of Medicine and Advocacy
Advocate Spotlight: Drs. Samantha and Samuel Siegel Samantha and Samuel Siegel started medical school together at Jefferson Medical College in 2008, the only married couple in their cohort. While Samuel had been managing chronic health conditions since his early 20s, including inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune liver disease, their third year of medical school brought […]
Inspiring Change: Sandra Calloway Fields’ Survivorship Journey from Diagnosis to Advocacy
Advocate Spotlight: Sandra Calloway Fields Sandra Calloway Fields was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012. Just a month after surgery to remove the cancer, Sandra found a lump in her breast during a self-breast exam in the shower. Her suspicions were soon confirmed: Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. “Of course, I was shocked, but […]
Advocating for Change: Ethan Schilling’s Path from Childhood Cancer to Survivor Advocate
Advocate Spotlight: Ethan Schilling A childhood cancer survivor himself, Ethan Schilling’s work as a psychologist is motivated by his commitment to meeting the psychological needs of children, adolescents, and families whose lives have been impacted by cancer and other chronic health conditions. Ethan’s personal experience with cancer started when his twin brother Derek was diagnosed […]
Webinar: Making Integrative Oncology Regular & Routine: A Practical Guide to Meeting the Demands of Patients and the Needs of Health Systems
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) Presents the Survivorship Champions webinar “Making Integrative Oncology Regular & Routine: A Practical Guide to Meeting the Demands of Patients and the Needs of Health Systems.” Conventional cancer treatments usually focus on treating the cancer directly. Integrative oncology treats the whole person, incorporating conventional treatments in addition to […]
Webinar: Black Men Taking Charge of Our Health – A Fireside Chat About “Knowing Your Numbers”
April is National Minority Health Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of improving the health of racial and ethnic minority communities and reducing health disparities. The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) presents a fireside chat between NCCS Vice-Chair Lisa D. T. Rice and Lamont Mitchell, prostate cancer survivor and founder of […]
Finding Hope in Adversity: Alyssa Fischer-Reeder’s Path to Survivorship
In 2003, Alyssa Fischer-Reeder graduated from American University in Washington, DC, with a BA in Education and Communication and decided to enroll in a Master’s program before becoming ill. At first, she noticed that the back of her tongue was a bit sore but soon realized that she could feel a very large hard mass […]
NCCS Submits Comments to CMS on its Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Guidance
NCCS submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the second part of its draft guidance for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP). The MPPP was created by the Inflation Reduction Act and allows Medicare beneficiaries to spread the cost of prescription drugs in Medicare Part D over the year, rather […]
Webinar – Compassion in Oncology: A Powerful Antidote to a Patient’s Negative Emotions
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) Presents “Compassion in Oncology: A Powerful Antidote to a Patient’s Negative Emotions,” a webinar featuring Dr. Michael Crain and Claudio Pannunzio from The Patient is U. Their presentation explores the concept of “Empathy + Action = Compassion” and shares the benefits of compassionate care. Compassionate care engenders three […]
Arti Varanasi – Transforming Research and Caregiving into Advocacy
Advocate Spotlight: Arti Varanasi, PhD Arti Varanasi, PhD, MPH, CPH is the Founder, President and CEO of Advancing Synergy, a social enterprise focused on advancing health equity and health justice through innovations that engage individuals and impact communities. Driven by curiosity and purpose, she is most passionate about building community and capacity and ensuring individuals, […]
In Memoriam: C. Norman “Norm” Coleman, MD, Esteemed Researcher and Advocate for Global Health Equity
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) mourns the loss of Dr. C. Norman “Norm” Coleman, an esteemed researcher, clinician, advocate for global health equity, and friend to NCCS. Dr. Coleman was a 2018 recipient of the Ellen L. Stovall Award for Innovation in Patient-Centered Cancer Care. We are grateful for Dr. Coleman’s advocacy and […]
Webinar: Managing Function and Quality of Life of Head and Neck Cancer Survivors
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) hosted a Cancer Policy and Advocacy Team (CPAT) webinar discussing quality of life for head and neck cancer survivors. The treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC) often involves surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. This treatment is critical for controlling or curing head and neck cancer. Though necessary, these […]
Together We Can: Yvonne McLean Florence’s Journey from Breast Cancer Survivor to Advocate
Advocate Spotlight: Yvonne McLean Florence Before her cancer diagnosis, Yvonne McLean Florence had a full life. She worked as an Administrative Assistant at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, spent lots of time nurturing her family, enjoying her roles as wife, mother, grandmother, and ordained minister, while finding time to enjoy gardening and crafting. […]
NCCS Submits Comments on March-In Rights
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) joined fellow member organizations of the Cancer Leadership Council in submitting comments on the “Draft Interagency Guidance Framework for Considering the Exercise of March-In Rights” issued by the US Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The draft framework provides that prices can be a […]
Webinar: Making the Mouth-Body Connection in Cancer Care
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) presents a webinar about oral care — an aspect of cancer treatment that is often overlooked. Oral side effects and untreated dental diseases can cause added pain, financial hardships, psychological distress, and a diminished quality of life for those being treated for cancer. Oral effects can also lead […]
Webinar: NCCS Cancer Policy Roundtable Highlights
During our Fall Cancer Policy Roundtable in November 2023, NCCS hosted a compelling series of panels and guest speakers, discussing important issues in quality cancer survivorship care. As many of our CPAT members across the country were unable to join this in-person event, we wanted to provide highlights from the roundtable on two of the […]
Heart for the Future: Medical Students’ Passion for Cancer Survivorship Fuels Their Future as Oncologists
Advocate Spotlight: Katherine Li, Ryan Hannon, and Noah Davis Katherine Li, Ryan Hannon, and Noah Davis aren’t your average medical students. While they come to the profession like so many others, with a genuine desire to provide quality medical care to their future patients; these young professionals already know they will pursue oncology as their […]
While Staying Healthy in Survivorship Can Be Expensive, Many Insurers Offer Programs to Reduce the Cost
As cancer survivors strive to maintain healthy lifestyles, many are faced with financial hardships and sacrifices due to the high cost of cancer care. According to the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship’s State of Survivorship Survey: 2022, nearly half of respondents in the survey reported experiencing financial hardships and having to make employment and/or educational […]
Webinar – Reconnecting to Life After Cancer: Permission to Feel
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) presents “Reconnecting to Life After Cancer: Permission to Feel,” a webinar featuring Kathy Washburn, a certified holistic cancer coach and cancer survivor. In this webinar you will learn about the evolutionary function of both positive and negative emotions, understand that emotions offer data, and begin to practice awareness […]
The Advocate Within: Tamron Little’s Remarkable Journey of Turning Trauma into Triumph
Advocate Spotlight: Tamron Little Tamron Little was a 21-year-old college student and pregnant with her first child when she was misdiagnosed with a fibroid tumor. She’d been experiencing abdominal pain, anemia, and constipation, all symptoms that could easily be attributed to her pregnancy. After giving birth to her son, and treatment to shrink what doctors […]
The Not-So-Good Cancer: Mary Glen’s Inspiring Advocacy Journey
Advocate Spotlight: Mary Glen Mary Glen was serving as an active-duty Army officer, deployed to South Korea in August 2020. Just 24 years old, Mary recalls feeling fatigued, experiencing bouts of depression, hair loss, and brittle nails, but her symptoms were initially attributed to the stress of deployment. “In the Army, the doctor who deploys […]
NCCS Presents 8th Annual Ellen L. Stovall Awards to Phuong Gallagher and Mary McCabe, RN for Their Innovation and Dedication to Cancer Survivors
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 30, 2023 Washington, D.C. – The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) presented the 8th annual Ellen L. Stovall Award for Innovation in Patient-Centered Cancer Care to Mary McCabe, RN, MA and Phuong Gallagher on October 26, 2023. Named for former NCCS CEO, Ellen Stovall, who died in 2016 from long-term […]
NCCS, Cancer Leadership Council Express Strong Support for NIH Director Nominee Monica Bertagnolli
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) strongly supports the nomination of Dr. Monica Bertagnolli to be the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). A surgical oncologist, researcher, and cancer survivor, Dr. Bertagnolli has served as Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 2022. NCCS joined other member organizations of the Cancer […]
The Path to Purpose: Marlena Murphy Finds Meaning in the Challenges
Advocate Spotlight: Marlena Murphy Marlena Murphy’s cancer journey began when she discovered a lump in her left breast during her monthly self-check in May 2018. It was a moment that would change her life forever. Marlena contacted her primary care physician and was immediately scheduled for a diagnostic mammogram. Ultrasound imaging and a biopsy followed, […]
NCCS Presents The State of Cancer Survivorship: 2023 Survey Results
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) conducts an annual State of Survivorship Survey, in partnership with Edge Research, to explore the cancer survivor journey. This study captures a range of perspectives to better understand how NCCS can support its mission to advocate for quality cancer care for everyone touched by cancer. The research was […]
Brett Wilson – Navigating Childhood Cancer and Finding Purpose in Advocacy
Advocate Spotlight: Brett Wilson Brett Wilson’s cancer experience started when she was just two years old. Her mother was concerned because she was sleeping a lot, so she took her to the doctor. Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), her family was told she had little chance of survival. Her father remembered learning she wasn’t […]
NCCS Submits Comments on 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule
NCCS submitted a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), offering comments on the Medicare physician fee schedule proposed rule for calendar year 2024. NCCS also joined members of the Cancer Leadership Council (CLC) in submitting additional comments in a separate letter. In the letters, NCCS expressed strong support for the proposals […]
Registration Open: 2023 State of Survivorship Survey Results Briefing | October 3
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) conducts an annual State of Survivorship Survey, in partnership with Edge Research, to delve into the cancer patient and survivor journey. This study captures a range of perspectives to better understand how NCCS can support its mission to advocate for quality cancer care for all. NCCS worked with […]
CMS Announces It Will Retain Breast Reconstruction Codes, A Reversal That Protects Patient Access to DIEP Flap Surgery
Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it will retain procedure codes for breast cancer reconstruction, after hearing feedback from NCCS and other patient advocates, patients, and health care professionals. NCCS asked CMS to retain the S codes for breast reconstruction, so that people in need of breast reconstruction have access […]
