Survivor Advocate Program Shapes Future Research

The 8th Biennial on Cancer Survivorship Research took place last week and I can’t think of a more meaningful or impactful way for us to have kicked off this meeting than by convening a group of engaged survivor advocates! This is just what LIVESTRONG accomplished, in partnership and collaboration with the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute and the Centers for Disease Control. Earlier this year survivor advocates from across the country applied to the Survivor Advocate program, held in concert with the Biennial. The response was overwhelming and after a rigorous review of almost 150 applications, 15 individuals were selected to receive a scholarship to attend the Biennial and participate in the Survivor Advocate program.   These women and men represented a diverse cross-section of the cancer survivor and patient advocate communities. They were provided the opportunity to meet with 5 incredible researchers in the areas of cancer survivorship research, including behavioral psychology, clinical epidemiology, patient navigation and psychosocial interventions among others. The Survivor Advocate program functions in a “speed dating” fashion allowing the advocates to move from table to table and interact with the researchers along with one or two fellow advocates. I can honestly tell you that the discussions amongst the advocates and the researchers were fruitful, lively, focused and deeply significant. From my perspective, folks became acquainted with...
Source: LIVESTRONG Blog - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Source Type: blogs