Community Oncology Alliance

04/06/2026

Thanks to a decade-plus of effort from community oncology advocates, COA secured long-overdue PBM reform that cuts the middleman out of patient care.

The energy for advocacy across the country is palpable, and there’s more work to be done to protect patients with cancer. Read the latest advocacy updates and upcoming opportunities in this month’s CPAN News Bulletin: https://coaadvocacy.org/news-updates/2026-quarter-1-coa-patient-advocacy-network-news-bulletin/

04/01/2026

It’s finally conference month! Shape the future of cancer care at the 2026 Community Oncology Conference, April 28-29 in Orlando. https://coaconference.com/

Advocates from across the country will hone their skills and raise community oncology’s collective voice. Whether learning the ins and outs of successful advocacy or staying updated on policies affecting cancer care, the COA conference has something for every advocate.

Don’t miss out, register today: https://coaconference.com/

03/25/2026

Improving the U.S. cancer care system relies on advocates, health care professionals, and policymakers working together to do what’s best for patients.

Community oncology’s collective voice creates a future where local cancer care is accessible and affordable. Managing Director Nicolas Ferreyros and Executive Director Ted Okon joined the latest CPAN Advocacy Chat to discuss what advocates need to know to support patient-first cancer care policies in 2026.

Missed the Advocacy Chat? Recap here: https://coaadvocacy.org/events/cpan-chats/coas-crystal-ball-what-can-we-expect-in-2026/

03/23/2026

Across urban cities and rural towns, Texas Oncology sees about half of all Texans with cancer. Though located 1,500 miles from Washington, DC, decisions made on Capitol Hill have a ripple effect on patients who want to receive local care.

Texas Oncology’s CPAN chapter advocates to support legislation that saves patients money and eliminates barriers to lifesaving, community-based care. Their collective advocacy has delivered for patients with cancer, including long-sought pharmacy benefit manager reform recently signed into law.

Get involved with CPAN: https://coaadvocacy.org/chapters/texas-oncology-2/

03/18/2026

Don’t miss the 2026 Community Oncology Conference on April 28-29 in Orlando with special guest Scott Kelly.

Keynote speaker Scott Kelly will recount the challenges and obstacles that forged him into a successful leader. Kelly’s session will cover the isolation, anxiety, and stress that comes from living in the International Space Station for a year and how the lessons he learned can be applied to one’s everyday life. Attendees will learn how to embrace the risk and challenges they face to become more resilient, adaptable cancer care professionals.

Register: https://coaconference.com/

03/10/2026

Patients are the heart of the Community Oncology Alliance’s advocacy to improve cancer outcomes, lower costs, and ensure patient choice.

Without action, the entire health care system—including access to cancer care close to home—is at risk of collapsing. COA’s Prescription for Health Care Reform is a must-read for advocates and policymakers to change the status quo. Long-sought pharmacy benefit manager reforms passed by Congress in February showed important momentum, and there’s more to be done.

Learn about the 100 actions Congress can take and join COA’s advocacy efforts: https://mycoa.communityoncology.org/publications/studies-and-reports/coa-prescription

03/05/2026

A new report from Minnesota shows mega-hospitals using the Program to line their pockets. COA applauds Minnesota for collecting this data and showing why 340B reform is needed: patients, not hospitals or middlemen, should benefit from this crucial safety net.

https://mycoa.communityoncology.org/news-updates/press-releases/2026-MN-340B-report-statement

02/26/2026

February was a hotbed of health policy happenings. Congress passed a budget filled with PBM reforms, we published a study showing the damaging effects of utilization management gone awry, and COA members trained to become better advocates. Read about all this and more in the February 2026 edition of the COA newsletter.



https://conta.cc/3OB1YJb

02/19/2026

Want to sharpen your advocacy skills? Attend the 2026 Community Oncology Conference, April 28-29 in Orlando, as thousands of advocates and stakeholders shape the future of community oncology together. Experience interactive advocacy in action role-plays and master the hottest cancer policy topics alongside national advocacy leaders.

2025 attendees: What are you most looking forward to learning about this year? Let us know in the comments.

Feb. 23 is the last day to register and receive a 20% discount: https://coaconference.com

02/10/2026

Cancer can be a logistical nightmare for patients, between care planning and managing financial responsibility. Independent community oncology practices, like Coastal Cancer Center, help patients get the coordinated care they need, streamlining the pathway and reducing stress.

“When I see a patient who is short of breath and may have a blood clot… I can send them down the hallway to get a CT scan and then 30 minutes later they can be standing in my pharmacy getting a blood thinner,” explains Dr. Emily Touloukian, president and CEO of Coastal Cancer Center.

Read more about their patient-first approach in this My Horry News feature: https://www.myhorrynews.com/news/honoring-breast-cancer-awareness-month/article_48858674-a82c-4000-abd2-5233fa75c38c.html

A Myrtle Beach oncologist reminds the community Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reduces stigma around the disease and encourages annual screening.

02/03/2026

Early cancer detection is more than a checkup—it’s lifesaving. February is National Cancer Prevention Month, serving as a vital reminder that routine screenings identify cancer when it’s most treatable.

Encourage those around you to take the proactive step by scheduling an appointment: https://bit.ly/463d1AC

LEARN HOW TO FIND LOCAL SCREENING OPTIONS Call the Time to Screen hotline at 1-855-53-SCREEN (1-855-537-2733) Take that important first step and schedule your screening appointment.

02/02/2026

What can cancer advocates expect for federal and state policy in 2026? Don’t miss the first CPAN Advocacy Chat of the year as COA Executive Director Ted Okon and Managing Director Nick Ferreyros join COA Director of Patient Advocacy & Education Rose Ge**er to break down how changes could affect patient access to local cancer care.

Join us on Wed., Feb. 4 at Noon ET: https://bit.ly/49Lo1ng