Learn About COA’s Patient Advocacy Network (CPAN)
The Community Oncology Alliance (COA) is a non-profit dedicated solely to advocating for independent community oncology patients and practices. Their mission is to ensure that patients can receive the highest quality, most affordable, and accessible cancer care close to home.
CPAN is COA’s patient connection that educates and empowers patients, survivors, and caregivers to advocate for community oncology.
About CPAN – COA’S PATIENT ADVOCACY NETWORK
CPAN provides education and engagement opportunities to raise awareness of independent, community cancer care and the issues that affect it.
This year’s CPAN Advocacy Chats have provided insight into COA’s federal and state policy initiatives, including PBMs, prior authorization, cancer drug shortages, step therapy, biomarker testing, and health equity. Patient-focused topics have included cancer prevention, nutrition, and survivorship.
Their Advocacy Chats provide insights from the community oncology workforce and COA member practices, which highlight the important role of oncology nurses and pharmacists.
Recap of Recent CPAN Advocacy Chats
Over the past few months, COA has had engaging conversations with cancer advocates, survivors, and professionals from around the country on community oncology’s most pressing topics.
September: Cancer medication is often the focal point of treatment, but a balanced diet with nutritious food plays an important role. COA’s Shiela Plasencia and Rose Gerber, MS, discussed how independent community oncology practices help people living with cancer receive the nutrient-rich food they need and address food insecurity.
July: Recent federal policy changes will reshape how people living with cancer access treatment, receive care, and afford medication. COA’s Nicolas Ferreyros and Rose Gerber, MS, discussed the potential impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on cancer care and what it could mean for community oncology.
Upcoming Advocacy Chats
This fall, we invite you to join us for the monthly advocacy chats.
- October 8: Virtual Advocacy Chat: Cancer Care Hijacked: How PBMs Are Blocking Patients’ Access to Medication. Click here to learn more and register.
- November 12: Virtual Advocacy Chat: National Family Caregivers Month
- December 10: Virtual Advocacy Chat: CPAN Year in Review
More details and registration links will follow.
The Value of Independent Community Oncology
Community oncology is the care people want when they face cancer because it’s local, innovative, and high-quality. Doctors, nurses, and administrative staff take time to get to know each patient and their specific needs.
Independent community oncology practices don’t just treat cancer, they help patients live a full, healthy life. ECHO prides ourselves on being a leading oncology care provider in the community.
Here from a similar practice to us – Virginia Cancer Institute. Like ECHO, patients can talk to mental health professionals, meet with financial advisors, and access a range of health care services to ensure they have all the resources they need.
Click here to watch a short video where the Virigina Cancer Institute showcases how community oncology practices are better adapted to support the whole patient rather than just one specific oncologic issue.