Our Policy Goals
Learn the policy goals that guide Fight CRC’s advocacy work, from advancing research and improving screening access to supporting patients and families.
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Table of Contents
Overview of Year-Round Policy Work:
By working together through year-round advocacy, we can build a future where colorectal cancer patients receive the care they need, caregivers get the support they deserve, and research leads to breakthroughs in prevention and treatment. Consistent advocacy leads to policy change that directly impacts access to screening and prevention, research investment, and high-quality care for all patients.
- Priority Focus Areas (section headers with brief intro text):
- Colorectal Cancer Research Funding
- Prevention & Screening
- Access to Care
Colorectal Cancer Research Funding
Federal research dollars are disproportionately low for colorectal cancer, despite its significant burden. While many cancers have seen major advancements in therapies and treatments, colorectal cancer patients today are still receiving many of the same drugs that have been around for decades. A top priority for Fight CRC is advocating for increased funding for colorectal cancer research.
- CDMRP Colorectal Cancer Research Program
- Fight CRC advocates for the creation of a Colorectal Cancer Research Program within the Department of Defense (DoD) Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) to secure additional dedicated funding for colorectal cancer research.
- National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute
- The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is the largest federal funder of colorectal cancer research. Research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and NCI has helped lead to better screening techniques and improved treatment options. Fight CRC advocates for increased funding for the NIH and NCI.to continue advancing colorectal cancer research.
Prevention and Screening
Colorectal cancer is one of just a few cancers that is preventable with screening and Fight CRC relentlessly advocates to ensure that all patients have access to the screening method that best fits their needs with no out-of-pocket costs.
Fight CRC champions policies that ensure all patients have access to the full continuum of screening with no out-of-pocket costs, including coverage for follow-up colonoscopies after a non-invasive screening test.
- The Colorectal Cancer Control Program
- The CDC’s Colorectal Cancer Control Program works to increase screening rates across the U.S. in communities most in need. Fight CRC works with our congressional champions to increase funding for the Colorectal Cancer Control Program and ensure more people can benefit from this important program.
Access to Care
Fight CRC advocates for policies that ensure all patients have equitable access to high-quality colorectal cancer care in every phase of treatment from screening through survivorship.
- The Colorectal Cancer Care Initiative
- Fight CRC brought together partners across the colorectal cancer space to develop the Colorectal Cancer Care Initiative (CRCCI). The CRCCI puts forward a set of goals around screening, treatment initiation, biomarker and genetic testing that serve as tools for health systems and the CRC community to assess progress, identify gaps, and make meaningful improvements.
Caregiving and Survivorship
Colorectal cancer has a lasting impact not just for those in active treatment, but also for caregivers and those who have completed treatment. We work to advocate for policies that ensure patients and their caregivers are supported throughout their colorectal cancer journey.
Building Champions in Congress
Every state and district in the United States is impacted by colorectal cancer. We need our champions in Congress to reflect that.
- Colorectal Cancer Caucus
- The Congressional Colorectal Cancer Caucus is a voluntary, bipartisan coalition of Members of Congress united in the fight against colorectal cancer. The Caucus works collaboratively to raise awareness about colorectal cancer among members of Congress and staff, lead the charge in educating Congress on critical colorectal cancer issues, and drive momentum for policy changes that improve lives and outcomes.
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Your voice fuels change. It influences research priorities, advances early detection, and helps ensure access to high-quality care for colorectal cancer patients.
Endorse Goals
Led by Fight Colorectal Cancer, the CRCCI is an inspired alliance of advocacy leaders, advocacy groups, survivors, healthcare professionals, and industry experts united to improve colorectal cancer care.
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Call-on Congress is Fight CRC’s premier advocacy event where survivors, caregivers, and advocates meet directly with lawmakers in Washington, D.C.