The Association for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is dedicated to working with policymakers to inform decisions on issues that impact oncology professionals and patients. Our staff regularly engages in discussions and direct advocacy with state and federal lawmakers and their staff on how certain legislation will affect the oncology community. It is ASCO’s mission to ensure that policies enacted by lawmakers are in the interest of helping you provide the best possible care for patients.

View ASCO’s advocacy priorities

Get involved in ASCO’s advocacy efforts

As oncology professionals and constituents, your insight carries significant weight with lawmakers because you can speak to the state of cancer care in their home district or state. Below are ways ASCO can help you develop and maintain relationships with your lawmakers.

ASCO’s ACT Network

The ACT Network is the most convenient way to connect with your lawmakers. The ACT Network allows you to send pre-drafted messages directly to your Members of Congress on legislative issues important to ASCO and the cancer care community. Visit the ACT Network to sign up to receive alerts on ASCO priority issues!

ASCO Association PAC

The ASCO Association Political Action Committee (PAC) is a nonpartisan PAC that provides ASCO members with enhanced opportunities to engage with lawmakers on the challenges and current realities facing the U.S. cancer care delivery system and cancer research enterprise. The PAC supports the advocacy priorities set by the Association’s Government Relations Committee.

To learn more about the ASCO Association PAC, visit pac.ascoassociation.org. All U.S. members are able to sign in using their ASCO account information.

Advocacy at Home

Attending in-district meetings with your lawmakers, or hosting them for a site visit, are impactful ways to advocate for cancer care in your state. These meetings allow you to better connect lawmakers with the communities you both serve. ASCO will assist in setting up in-district meetings and site visits for you, provide talking points, and work to ensure you are fully prepared for a visit with your lawmaker or staff. Fill out this survey if you are interested in participating in the Advocacy at Home program.

Annual Advocacy Summit

Once a year ASCO brings together volunteers for a two-day Advocacy Summit to meet with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. Advocates speak with Members of Congress and their staff on high-priority legislative issues impacting oncology care and cancer patients. The Summit includes multiple networking opportunities, advocacy training sessions, and educational tools that will help you frame your legislative asks using personal anecdotes acquired from your experience as an oncology professional. If you would like more information on the Advocacy Summit, please contact us.

Advocacy Champions

Think your advocacy efforts go unnoticed? Think again! Every year ASCO recognizes our most engaged volunteers. ASCO’s Advocacy Champions are leaders that engage in multiple advocacy efforts throughout the year, helping ensure that oncology professionals are able to provide the best possible care for their patients. The most engaged volunteer is designated as the Advocate of the Year and is honored at the annual Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC.

View the 2022 Advocacy Champions

Additional Resources

Learn more about ASCO's advocacy tools and resources:

• The ACT Network
• ASCO Association PAC
• Advocacy at Home Program
• ASCO Advocacy Summit