National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship

This is certainly a monumental time in cancer care, prevention, and survivorship. Four former United States Surgeons General and Lance Armstrong announced the National Call to Action (NCTA) on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship in Washington, DC on July 23, 2008.

The NCTA was developed by the Canyon Ranch Institute in partnership with the Lance Armstrong Foundation and numerous collaborators from biomedical research, government, business, community organizations, education, and medicine. At its core, it defines four actionable goals that span the cancer continuum from prevention through survivorship. Grounded in evidence-based practices, it stands on the best science available today.

"Blueprint for Action"

In many ways, this document can be viewed as a "roadmap" or as it states, "a blueprint for action for the American people." Each goal highlights a specific opportunity along the cancer continuum where action can be taken to prevent cancer, detect it early, navigate the health care system through cancer diagnosis and treatment, and improve the quality of life and health of cancer survivors.

The Goals

Goal One:
Empower healthy lifestyles to prevent cancer

Goal Two:
Apply what we know about cancer screening and early detection to all people

Goal Three:
Ensure that all people can navigate through the health care system

Goal Four:
Provide survivorship care plans and systems of support for all cancer survivors

The Nation's Doctor

Our greatest non-partisan leader in health care is the nation's doctor, the United States Surgeon General. With only 17 Surgeons General in the history of the United States, they provide the most credible source of health information.

With four of the former US Surgeons General supporting and committing to the development of this strategic blueprint for cancer prevention and survivorship, there is hope that this document will be a catalyst for change to improve the lives of millions of people now and for future generations.

Cancer, What it Means to You

The National Call to Action also provides a motivating and easy-to-read booklet entitled, "Cancer, What it Means to You". It is a simple guide to the science-based goals and strategies outlined in the full report. It is a useful resource that can be used to stimulate change on an individual level or in communities to further the NCTA goals.

A National Priority

The war on cancer needs to be a national priority. The NCTA is calling upon very sector of society and every organization, research lab, government agency, community, health care system, policy-making body, school, and business to join forces to eliminate cancer and improve the longevity and quality of life of cancer survivors.

As the NCTA states, "Together we will help build a secure bridge that will span the cancer continuum from prevention through survivorship so that the fight against cancer can be won. No American can or should ever again walk this bridge alone."

Take Action

If you are a cancer survivor, if you are a loved one, friend, or caretaker of a survivor, or simply someone who wants to become involved, more information is available at www.NCTAcancer.org.