Advocacy organizations approach advocacy in
different ways.
Some groups focus on specific diseases or
parts of the body, while others focus on a
particular issue.
Some organizations focus on serving a specific
geographic region, while other groups direct
their efforts toward certain populations.
Advocates may be involved in many ways, including:
* Fundraising � Raising funds for an organization,
hospital, or special project * Policy - Being
involved in the political process.
For example, lobbying for new laws on behalf
of patients.
* Patient Support - Providing direct support
through patient navigation, support groups,
and individual counseling * Education & Outreach
- Educating the general public about health
issues or conducting outreach to inform specific
groups * *Research* - Engaging in research
activities such as reviewing protocols, helping
recruit patients for clinical trials, and
disseminating research results to the wider
community.
NCI conducts and supports research, training,
health information dissemination, and other
programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis,
prevention, and treatment of cancer, rehabilitation
from cancer, and the continuing care of cancer
patients and the families of cancer patients.
While other organizations also fund cancer
research, NCI is the largest funder in the
United States and collaborates specifically
with research advocates.
Up to this point, we have looked at the history
and various types of advocacy in health.
Now, let us explore what research advocacy
is and how these advocates engage in cancer
research.
Although NCI engages with many types of advocates
and organizations, this module focuses primarily
on the role of research advocates in the scientific
process.
Research advocacy at its best serves as the
bridge between patient experiences and the
medical scientific community.
