Abstract LB-58: Advocacy within the PS-OC: Evolution of the program

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has emphasized the importance of innovation and creativity in exploring strategies to control and eradicate cancer. This effort resulted in the formation of the Physical Sciences in Oncology program (PS-OC), which utilizes the fields of mathematics, physics, chemistry and engineering to address cancer. The NCI has sponsored a network of twelve PS-OC centers across the U.S. in an effort to have a cross-sectional evaluation of the physical principles used to study cancer. The PS-OC program aims to advance cancer research and move the research closer to practical application. A key instrument to move the research into clinical practice is the voice of patient advocates on the PS-OC research team. Patient advocacy has traditionally been focused on providing support and education for patients and stimulating research for better understanding of diseases and their treatment. The inclusion of patient advocates in the physical sciences is rare as the majority of advocates work in clinically-focused research and researchers in these fields seldom interact with advocates and patients. The PS-OC program has expanded the role of patient advocates to include involvement in basic and translational research in the physical sciences. The PS-OC advocacy program is a cooperative effort between the Centers and advocate advisors, who serve as liaisons between the patient and scientific communities. Each Center is developing an advocacy program unique to its research focus and the skills and interests of the advocate community. Advocates are an integral part of the scientific team, providing insight into clinical aspects of cancer; communicating research findings to the public through public lectures, lay articles and social media; presenting the patient perspective in university courses as guest speakers; and participating in legislative advocacy. However, the most important role of advocates is to provide the human element and perspective to the research. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-58. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-58