The combination of extensive clinical expertise and actual patient experience provide CPAN with a distinctively effective methodology in advocating for community oncology practices and the patients they serve.
CPAN’s unique leadership team consists of Rose Gerber, Director of Patient Advocacy, a breast cancer survivor with extensive advocacy experience at the local and national levels, and a practicing medical oncologist, Rick Frame, MD, Utah Cancer Specialists/CPAN Medical Chairman.
Created in recognition of the vital role patients should play in advocating for quality accessible cancer care, CPAN complements the work of COA, which has established a record of unprecedented success in mobilizing community oncology to become politically active and increasing awareness on Capitol Hill.
Truly inclusive on all levels, CPAN is a non-cancer type specific national network representing all members of the cancer community. CPAN members include patients in active treatment, cancer survivors, professional caregivers, family members, medical and oncology professionals, and members from the general community.
COA/CPAN is bringing attention to the impact of Medicare legislative policies on cancer patients, specifically the issues affecting local cancer centers. Of great concern is the volume of community cancer clinics that have closed across the United States. More than 172 of these centers have ceased operation, creating a negative impact for all cancer patients – those in active treatment and cancer survivors receiving long-term care. This is not only an issue for patients in the Medicare age bracket (65+), but for all cancer patients and survivors.
CPAN will continue to serve as a resource to educate the cancer community about legislative issues affecting the quality and accessibility of cancer care in their own communities. CPAN will also serve as a forum for patients to learn how to become advocates for cancer care, and it will provide community oncology practices with education regarding the economic and administrative pressure facing the operation of a community cancer clinic.
CPAN is actively recruiting motivated cancer care advocates. Volunteer advocates will join the COA/CPAN community in working together to influence policy that will positively affect all cancer patients and survivors. CPAN membership is free.
CPAN welcomes inquiries into potential partnerships with other advocacy organizations. Please send your requests to roseg@coacancer.org.