UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective: The Director's Consumer Liaison Group is an all-consumer advisory committee that makes recommendations to the Director of the National Cancer Institute from the perspective of cancer advocates on a wide variety of issues, programs, and research priorities. In order to meet the challenge goal of eliminating suffering and death due to cancer by 2015, it is essential that NCI foster collaborative relationships with the cancer advocacy community. The DCLG serves as a channel for consumer advocates to voice their views and concerns, and believes a Summit offers an opportunity to facilitate transparent dialog between NCI and the advocacy community. This Summit provides the opportunity to demystify NCI while establishing the necessary two-way communication and collaboration that allows NCI to be most effective. The Summit will assemble representatives from all segments of the cancer community, with special attention to including organizations who serve the medically underserved, to (1) demystify NCI and facilitate its navigation, (2) provide a forum for cancer community input and interaction, and (3) foster two-way communication and collaboration between NCI and the cancer community.

Methods: A planning committee of survivors advised NCI on implementation. Participants will hear speakers and attend breakout sessions at the June 19 and 20, 2006. Additionally, advocates as well as NCI will present posters at a “poster picnic” during the Summit to explain their cancer research or advocacy programs.

Results: The Summit will successfully assemble consumer advocates from a variety of cancer advocacy organizations to enhance collaborations and partnerships between the advocacy community and NCI.