Oncologists Convene at Capitol Hill to Advocate for Cancer Care Policies

Approximately 180 oncologists gathered at Capitol Hill on Tuesday, April 8, to advocate for cancer care and offer insight into how federal decisions impact patient care and research throughout the United States.

More than 240 meetings were held with members of Congress as part of the Association of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) 10th Annual Advocacy Summit, which took place during ASCO’s Week of Action from April 6-11. During this week, ASCO urges Congress to prioritize federal funding for the National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute for the 2026 fiscal year, reform prior authorization mandates to streamline the authorization process, and help end cancer drug shortages by addressing economic factors to make generic drugs more available in the market.

“As the leading organization for oncology professionals, our members are well-positioned as subject matter experts to elaborate on how federal policies can improve what we’re seeing in our clinics and labs,” said ASCO Board Chair Eric P. Winer, MD, FASCO, in a news release. “By building these relationships and sharing first-hand experiences, we can move the needle towards conquering cancer.”

As part of the Advocacy Summit, ASCO recognized two advocates for their commitment to advancing healthcare policies and improving patient care. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick from Pennsylvania received the annual Congressional Champion for Cancer Care Award for his efforts to advance bipartisan policies that support healthcare practices and access to quality cancer care.

Joanna C. Yang, MD, MPH, Director of the Clinical Residency Program and Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine, was recognized as Advocate of the Year for her advocacy efforts in educating lawmakers on how healthcare policies affect both patients and the broader U.S. healthcare system.

References

Cancer Doctors Mobilize on Capitol Hill Championing Policies that Prioritize Cancer Care & Research. News release. American Society of Clinical Oncology. April 7, 2025. Accessed April 8, 2025. https://www.asco.org/news-initiatives/policy-news-analysis/cancer-doctors-mobile-capitol-hill-championing-policies-prioritize-cancer-care-research

Urge Lawmakers to Prioritize Cancer Care and Research During ASCO’s Advocacy Week of Action: April 7-11. News release. American Society of Clinical Oncology. March 25, 2025. Accessed April 8, 2025. https://www.asco.org/news-initiatives/policy-news-analysis/urge-lawmakers-prioritize-cancer-care-research-advocacy-week