UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Background/Methods: The President's Cancer Panel, a presidential advisory committee that monitors and evaluates the National Cancer Program, reports annually to the President of the United States on barriers to the effective execution of the Program. The Panel holds meetings around the country to hear from people engaged in cancer research and delivery, advocates, and survivors on a given topic. Dr. Leffall, chairman of the Panel, will present highlights from its latest report, “Assessing Progress, Advancing Change,” released June 2. The two-part report follows up on earlier reports, one on cancer survivorship and another on translating research. Dr. Leffall will discuss findings relevant to cancer survivorship.

Objective: The earlier survivorship report, “Living Beyond Cancer: Finding a New Balance” (2004), described physical, psychosocial, employment, educational, financial, and legal issues that may affect cancer survivors. During the “Assessing Progress” series, the Panel sought to determine what progress had been made on these recommendations:

• Provide treatment summaries and follow-up care plans to all survivors upon discharge from treatment for their primary cancer and any secondary or recurring malignancies. • Expand the body of research on adolescents and young adults with cancer. • Improve access to care and insurance coverage for health care services needed by survivors.

Results: Dr. Leffall will discuss indications of initiatives and partnerships that increase awareness of cancer survivorship issues; fragmented progress in developing a standard treatment summary template and follow-up care guidelines; and overarching issues that continue to impede progress: coordination, fiscal constraints, health care coverage, and education and communication.