ACCC Launches New Public Policy Website

ROCKVILLE, Maryland—The Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) has launched a new website (www.accc-cancer.org/publicpolicy) dedicated to regulatory and legislative issues affecting patients with cancer. The website will assist in the education of patients and their families about public policy that affects cancer care.

The new website also was designed to serve as a tool to bring patients and physicians together to discuss important cancer issues, such as new therapeutic modalities, insurance reimbursement, and clinical trials. The public policy site features information for patients and their families regarding access to cancer care, and details on oral cancer drugs and the congressional actions affecting use of such drugs.

The site features a section on legislative alerts, general information about Capitol Hill legislators, and tips for patients with cancer and their families on communicating with their representatives. The site also provides a directory of ACCC member hospitals and physicians, a list of patient advocacy organizations, and contact information for representatives and senators.

"By providing patients and families with information about the public policies that impact cancer care and helping them learn about the legislative process, they will be able to fully act on their rights and enlist the government in their personal battles against cancer," said Margaret A. Riley, MN, RN, of ACCC’s Ad Hoc Committee for Advocacy.