2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer (Posters)-P2.27. Advocates Unite to Increase Lung Cancer Research Funding

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This abstract discusses the efforts of the Lung Cancer Action Network (LungCAN) and other advocacy organizations to increase funding for lung cancer research through the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) Lung Cancer Research Program (LCRP). The LCRP had been funded at a lower level compared to other cancer research programs, such as breast and prostate cancer. In January 2022, LungCAN created a Steering Committee (SC) to develop a strategic plan to increase the LCRP budget. They determined that funding should be based on the previous year's top proposals rated "Outstanding" or "Excellent." To ensure coordinated advocacy, LungCAN created a platform where members could direct their constituents to a "Call to Action" website without the risk of losing organizational support. Advocates united to support the initiative and recruited champions in both the House and Senate to lead the effort within Congress. The campaign involved calling and visiting Senators and Representatives to make a compelling case for increased funding. As a result of these efforts, the LCRP received a 25% increase in funding, the highest amount the program has ever been awarded. The campaign also generated significant social media engagement and reached thousands of legislators. In addition to the success in Congress, the campaign gained support from 80 associations and organizations. The authors conclude that working together for a shared cause, such as increasing lung cancer research funding, can have a greater impact.

Asset Subtitle

Dusty Donaldson

Meta Tag

Speaker Dusty Donaldson

Topic Patient Advocacy

Keywords

Lung Cancer Action Network

funding

research program

advocacy

Congress

campaign

social media engagement

legislators

associations

shared cause