UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

The objective of my presentation is to share with the audience the experience of the American Cancer Society in advancing the cause of cancer control in the United States through advocacy/government relations.

“Methods”

I will discuss the use of direct lobbying techniques, grassroots methods, and media advocacy to advance public policy goals leading to a reduction in the incidence and mortality rates of cancer in the United States. I will share how the American Cancer Society approaches advocacy, the types of investments we have made in staff and volunteer capacity, and the areas we have focused our resources to enlist the government's assistance in the fight against cancer at the local, state and federal levels. Specifically, I will discuss our efforts to get more funding from government for cancer research and cancer control programs; enactment of smoke-free legislation, tobacco excise tax increases and smoking cessation services; and additional access to health care, especially for the poor and underserved, for cancer prevention, screening and early detection.

“Results”

I will discuss the lobbying infrastructure the American Cancer Society has built and the results it has had in affecting public policy. Specifically, the presentation will focus on smoke-free legislation and tobacco excise tax increases in the United States and its impact on smoking rates. Additionally, I will discuss efforts to influence the amount of government funded research in the US, as well as government funded cancer control programs.