The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Advocacy Summit is a cornerstone of national cancer policy engagement, offering a vital opportunity for oncology professionals to directly influence the laws and regulations that shape patient care. Hosted annually by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the summit convenes physicians, researchers, trainees, nurses, and cancer care advocates from across the country to meet with federal policymakers on Capitol Hill. These conversations ensure that healthcare decisions made in Washington are informed by clinical expertise and grounded in the lived experiences of patients and their families.
At its core, the ASCO Advocacy Summit strengthens patient advocacy by bringing clinicians to the table as trusted voices who understand how policy translates into outcomes at the bedside. Legislators hear firsthand how administrative barriers, coverage gaps, and research funding decisions affect the timeliness, quality, and equity of cancer care. The summit also equips participants with advocacy tools and policy education, empowering them to continue advancing patient-centered reforms long after the formal meetings conclude.
This year, I had the privilege of representing the Commonwealth of Virginia and the George Washington University Cancer Center during the two-day summit in Washington, DC. I joined oncology professionals from all 50 states and Washington, DC, alongside ASCO leadership, to advocate for policies that directly affect cancer patients nationwide. Our delegation met with the offices of Senator Tim Kaine, Senator Mark Warner, Representative Eugene Vindman, and Representative Don Beyer to discuss shared priorities to improve access to care and strengthen the cancer care system.
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Our advocacy centered on three major policy issues that have immediate and measurable consequences for patients.
The first priority was expanding telehealth access through the CONNECT for Health Act. Telehealth has become an essential component of cancer care, particularly for patients who live far from academic medical centers, have mobility limitations, or require frequent follow-up visits. Virtual care can reduce travel burdens, maintain continuity of care during treatment, and improve access to oncology expertise. However, many of the telehealth flexibilities that patients rely on remain temporary or limited by outdated policy. By supporting legislation that permanently expands telehealth coverage, advocates aim to ensure that patients can receive timely, high-quality care regardless of geography or circumstance. From a patient advocacy perspective, this legislation promotes equity and supports sustained engagement in care during every stage of the cancer journey.
The second focus was improving prior authorization processes, which too often delay or interrupt essential cancer treatments. Prior authorization requirements can result in postponed chemotherapy, imaging, or supportive therapies while clinicians navigate complex administrative approvals. These delays create stress for patients and families at moments when time is critical. At the summit, we advocated for reforms that streamline prior authorization, increase transparency, and hold insurers accountable for timely decision-making. Patient advocacy in this area is about protecting access to evidence-based care and minimizing nonclinical obstacles that compromise outcomes and quality of life.
The third major issue was safeguarding robust federal funding for cancer research through agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute. Public research funding underpins many of the advances that define modern oncology, from early detection strategies to targeted therapies and immunotherapy. Continued investment is essential not only for scientific discovery but also for ensuring that innovation benefits diverse patient populations. Advocacy for research funding is advocacy for patients today and for future generations, accelerating progress while reinforcing the United States’ leadership in cancer research.
For clinicians, participation in the ASCO Advocacy Summit reinforces that our responsibility to patients extends beyond the clinic walls. Policy decisions influence access to treatment, affordability of care, and the pace of medical innovation as powerfully as clinical guidelines do. By engaging directly with lawmakers, oncology professionals help shape a healthcare environment that puts patients first.
Advocacy is not separate from patient care; it is embedded in every diagnosis, every treatment decision, and every effort to improve outcomes. Policies that shape access, affordability, and research directly influence what is possible for patients facing cancer. Participating in the ASCO Advocacy Summit reinforces clinicians' responsibility to speak on behalf of patients, ensuring that healthcare systems and laws reflect the realities of cancer care and support timely, equitable, and effective treatment for all.
Charbel Matar, MD, is a Hematology-Oncology Chief Fellow at the GW Cancer Center with expertise in evidence synthesis, systematic reviews, and clinical practice guideline development using the GRADE methodology. He serves on the Editorial Board of JCO Global Oncology and is an ASCO ambassador.
