National Breast Cancer Coalition

Public Policy

Breast cancer is a political issue. The federal government is the largest funder of biomedical research. Laws regulate and support access to care and health care systems. Third party payors are subject to state and federal regulations. In fact, every aspect of breast cancer is touched by public policy. It is key that those who influence that policy are educated and trained and have no agenda other than to save lives, and to end breast cancer.

In order to ensure this, NBCC informs, trains, and directs patients and others in effective advocacy efforts. Nationwide, the women and men we have trained are shaping breast cancer public policy by participating in legislative, scientific and regulatory decisions; promoting critical analysis of breast cancer information and media coverage; and actively working to change all systems that impact our Breast Cancer Deadline 2020® mission to end breast cancer by January 1, 2020.

NBCC's 2013 LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC POLICY PRIORITIES  

PRIORITY #1

Accelerating the End of Breast Cancer Act: In September 2010, NBCC set a deadline and launched a plan of action to reach its mission: Breast Cancer Deadline 2020® – knowing how to  end breast cancer by January 1, 2020. The "Accelerating the End of Breast Cancer Act," first introduced in the 112th Congress, defines an important role the federal government must play in this effort. The legislation complements and enhances the strategic work being done by NBCC to end breast cancer once and for all.

PRIORITY #2

$150 Million for the Department of Defense (DOD) Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) for FY2014: As a result of NBCC’s grassroots advocacy, the DOD BCRP was created in 1992 to "eradicate breast cancer by funding innovative, high-impact research through a partnership of scientists and consumers."  NBCC seeks continued funding for this successful program.

PRIORITY #3

Guaranteed Access to Quality Care for All: Ensuring access to quality, evidence-based health care has been a top priority of NBCC for many years and is an essential component of the Breast Cancer Deadline 2020® goal of ending breast cancer. NBCC works to identify, advocate for, and support the implementation of laws such as the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" which mark important steps forward in access to quality health care for individuals with, and at risk of, breast cancer. In addition, NBCC remains committed to protecting vital existing programs such as the Medicaid Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (Medicaid BCCTP) and critically examining any proposed changes to programs such as Medicare in order to determine the impact they would have on this population.

PRIORITY #4

Ensuring the Participation of Educated Patient Advocates in all Levels of Health Care Decision Making: NBCC continues to work to ensure that educated patient advocates have a "seat at the table" in all levels of health care decision making which affects their lives.