The role of government agencies in the development of cancer policy.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a review of federal government agencies that most directly affect cancer care and research and how cancer policy can be indirectly shaped or affected by federal and state programs.


METHODS
Government reports and internet sources.


CONCLUSIONS
The US government's role in cancer policy has grown substantially and involves ongoing dialogue among Congress, government agencies, and stakeholders in the cancer community. The government can be a powerful catalyst for progress or a seeming insurmountable barrier to high-quality cancer care and research. Working together can make a significant difference in the outcome of cancer policy.


CONCLUSIONS
Oncology nurses are an important voice in the development of legislation, regulation, and other national policies for cancer care. It is important for cancer care professionals to be aware of these federal programs and participate in deliberations.
Kamin
Deborah Y
DY
Department of Public Policy and Practice, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Department of Government Relations, American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, Fairfax, VA, USA.
Daly
Nancy Riese
NR
D026683:Advisory Committees / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006291:Health Policy / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D009316:National Institutes of Health (U.S.) / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000639:trends*; D014481:United States; D014483:United States Dept. of Health and Human Services / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration