Become an Advocate

The Grassroots Network is a place where you make your voice heard at the local and national level to policymakers. Stay up to date and learn more about key issues that are important to patients with cancer and their loved ones.

I think we often [feel] we don’t have time to take part, or that what we have to offer is too small or limited, but in my experience this just isn’t true. Start small. Just signing up for a webinar or listserv can be a jumping-off point for your own advocacy journey. It can start with something as simple as educating yourself or joining a community. Small steps can lead to big things — just see where the journey takes you.
Aaryn Cancer advocate

Stand Up for People Impacted by Cancer

Cancer Advocacy: Your Questions Answered

What do cancer advocates do?

Cancer advocates work to educate the community and policymakers on important issues that affect people impacted by cancer. This can be done on a local, state, or federal level. Some examples of cancer advocacy include:

Contacting elected officials to share your perspective and support policies that improve cancer care
Educating friends, family, and community members about issues affecting patients and caregivers
Voting in local, state, and federal elections
Sharing your story to raise awareness and inspire action, including through social media
Attending town halls, community forums, and legislative meetings to engage directly with decision-makers
Participating in advocacy campaigns and grassroots initiatives that amplify the patient voice

Who can become a cancer advocate?

Anyone can be a cancer advocate. Anyone passionate about making a difference in the lives of people impacted by cancer can help change laws and policies that affect cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. Although advocacy may seem intimidating, it’s important to remember that big waves can be made from small ripples.

How do cancer advocates help people who have been impacted by cancer?

When policymakers are educated about issues that affect people with cancer, and when policies are created or changed, it impacts the lives of the nearly 17 million cancer survivors across the country. Advocacy can lead to increased access to high-quality and affordable medical, social, and emotional care. It can also lead to improved prevention and early detection and help reduce health disparities.

When we rely on others to enact change that we want to see, we possess no agency in seeing those changes implemented. Your perspective and participation matter.
Maria Cancer advocate