Download co-sponsor the comprehensive - Lymphoma Research Foundation

CO-SPONSOR THE COMPREHENSIVE
CANCER CARE IMPROVEMENT ACT
The Challenge for Cancer Patients
Although the system of cancer care in the United States is recognized as being the best in the
world, there remain some inconsistencies and gaps in the system. In a series of reports on the
nation's cancer care system published over the last decade, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) has
identified some of the strains and shortcomings in cancer care and recommended improvements.
According to the IOM reports, cancer patients do not always have access to appropriate symptom
management of palliative care, and their communication with their cancer care team about their
treatment choices may not be adequate. Treatment for cancer can be very difficult and may
cause significant immediate and long-term side effects, but patients do not always have access to
appropriate management of these side effects. Because second cancers and the effects of cancer
may not occur until months or years after diagnosis and initial treatment, it is important that
cancer survivors monitor their health status carefully.
The IOM has recommended that cancer patients receive a plan of care that details the elements of
active therapy as well as the components of symptom management and that cancer survivors
receive a summary of their treatment that will help them move from active therapy to
monitoring and follow-up after treatment. The most recent IOM report, "From Cancer Patient to
Cancer Survivor: Lost in Transition," details the need for a treatment summary and survivorship
plan for cancer survivors, to empower them to monitor the possible late effects of treatment.
The Response from Congress
Representatives Lois Capps (D-CA) and Tom Davis (R-VA) have introduced H.R. 5465, the
Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act, which includes several initiatives to improve the
quality of cancer care. The main provisions of the bill are:
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Establishing Medicare payment for the: 1) development of a cancer care plan when an
individual is diagnosed with cancer or has a change in condition or treatment and 2)
development of a cancer care summary at the end of active treatment. The cancer care
plan would improve coordination of active treatment and symptom management to
ensure that cancer survivors have access to appropriate management of pain, nausea,
fatigue, depression, and other effects of cancer and its treatment.
Authorize pilot or model cancer care programs that would ensure appropriate
coordination of active treatment and symptom management.
Authorize programs to enhance the training of cancer care professionals in the
coordination of cancer care and cancer symptom management.
Authorize an enhanced program of research on palliative care and symptom management.
-2Request for Action
Although action on H.R. 5465 is unlikely in the few remaining days of the 109th Congress, its
consideration during the next Congress is certainly possible. A strong show of support for this
bill will improve the changes for serious debate on issues related to quality cancer care in 20072008. The Capps-Davis bill would take a few important steps to address shortcomings in the
cancer care system and to guarantee that cancer survivors have access to quality care that
coordinates active therapy and symptom management.