President’s Cancer Panel Outlines Recommendations to Accelerate National Cancer Plan Progress

Lynn Schuchter, MD, FASCO

On February 28, 2024, the President’s Cancer Panel issued an initial assessment of the National Cancer Plan—an initiative to improve the well-being of patients and families affected by cancer in the United States (US) and reduce cancer mortality rates by 50% or more over 25 years.^1,2

The report was generated from the panel’s stakeholder meeting in September 2023 and incorporated feedback regarding the National Cancer Program from organizations such as ASCO, as well as other voices from the cancer community.¹

“It is clear that reaching the ambitious but achievable goal of ending cancer as we know it will require an even more converted and collaborative push from both government and private sectors,” the panelists wrote in a letter to President Joe Biden.

In the report, the panel made recommendations for investment in 5 key areas, noting that each recommendation aligns with the plan’s goal of ensuring equitable access to quality resources for cancer risk reduction, detection, treatment, and survivorship across the US.

Increase Investment in Biomedical Research

The panel noted the urgent need for cancer research funding from both congress and the private sector, stating the importance of research endeavors performed at publicly funded institutions and academic centers.

Ensure Access to High-Quality Insurance Coverage for All

The panel emphasized the imperative for every person in the US to have access to health insurance that adequately covers cancer prevention strategies, screening, diagnostic tests, treatments, and survivorship care, citing the expansion of state Medicaid programs as a crucial step in this process.

Build a Sustainable, Robust, and Diverse Workforce

The panel called upon both the public and private sectors to increase diversity across the cancer research and cancer care workforces, emphasizing the need for laws that permanently allow telehealth coverage by Medicare and commercial insurers. This report also recommended all states participate in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact to ease the practice of cancer care across state lines.

Promote Dynamic and Sustainable Community Engagement

The panel explained the importance of engaging patients with cancer and their communities to improve cancer care equity. The group also noted the need for sustainable funding and policies to support and incentivize community engagement efforts.

Prioritize Data Sharing and Integration to Accelerate Research

Lastly, the panel presented the imperative for improved interoperability, data-sharing platforms, and data standardization across groups such as federal agencies, research organizations, health care systems, and professional societies, to promote ease of access to clinical trial data and accelerate cancer research developments.

“The growing cancer crisis demands a national effort like the national cancer plan, which is characterized by collaboration and partnership,” Lynn Schuchter, MD, FASCO, president of ASCO, stated in a news release.² “ASCO was honored to participate in the President’s Cancer Panel’s event and to learn more about how the cancer community is working to support the plan. These collective efforts are required to meet the challenge of the growing cancer burden, and ASCO is deeply committed to this work.”

“As a society, we need policies, systems, and strategies to ensure that every person in the United States––regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, gender identity, where they live, or level of resources––has access to the best possible cancer care and cancer control services,” the panelists concluded in the report.¹ “A patient’s insurance status and ZIP code should not be a barrier to care, and it is essential that we build a workforce that is capable of and committed to delivering equitable care to all communities.”

The National Cancer Plan was released in April 2023, focusing on 8 categories regarding cancer prevention and early detection through treatment improvements, greater clinical trial accessibility, and improved overall care delivery.² The plan also prioritizes diversifying the cancer care workforce and eliminating disparities in cancer care. The President’s Cancer Panel oversees the progress of the National Cancer Program and provides reports to the President regarding barriers to cancer care and recommendations for nationwide cancer burden reduction.

References

1. President’s Cancer Panel initial assessment of the National Cancer Plan: A report to the president of the United States. February 2024. Accessed February 29, 2024. https://prescancerpanel.cancer.gov/pdfs/CancerPanelReport.pdf
2. President’s Cancer Panel issues recommendations to advance National Cancer Plan. News release. ASCO. February 28, 2024. Accessed February 29, 2024. https://society.asco.org/about-asco/press-center/news-releases/presidents-cancer-panel-issues-recommendations-advance