ASCO Advocacy Summit 2025: Uniting Voices for Cancer Policy Reform​

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) hosted its 10th annual Advocacy Summit from April 6–11, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This pivotal event brought together oncology professionals, patient advocates, and policymakers to champion legislative initiatives aimed at enhancing cancer care and research.​

What is the ASCO Advocacy Summit?

The ASCO Advocacy Summit serves as a platform for stakeholders in the oncology community to engage directly with lawmakers. The summit’s primary objectives include:​

• Securing increased federal funding for cancer research​
• Addressing and mitigating drug shortages​
• Reforming prior authorization processes to reduce delays in patient care​
• Ensuring equitable access to quality cancer treatments for all patients​

In addition to in-person advocacy on Capitol Hill, ASCO organized a nationwide “Week of Action,” empowering members to participate remotely by contacting their congressional representatives and advocating for these critical issues.

2025 ASCO Advocacy Awardees

During the summit, ASCO recognized several individuals for their exceptional contributions to cancer advocacy:​

• Congressional Champion for Cancer Care Award: Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) was honored for his bipartisan efforts to advance healthcare policies that improve access to quality cancer care. 
• Allen Lichter Visionary Leader Award: Dr. Karen E. Knudsen received this accolade for her transformative leadership in oncology, including her tenure as CEO of the American Cancer Society and her role in expanding cancer services across multiple states. 
• ASCO-American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Award: Dr. Susan M. Domchek was recognized for her pioneering work in cancer genetics and her leadership at the Basser Center for BRCA. ​
• Conquer Cancer Patient Advocate Award: Karen Eubanks Jackson, Founder and CEO of Sisters Network® Inc., was honored for her advocacy and support for African American women affected by breast cancer.

Voices from the Summit: Social Media Highlights

Participants of the summit took to social media to share their experiences and underscore the importance of advocacy in oncology:​

• Dr. Rami Manochakian, Vice President of the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society, expressed on X:

“I’m honored to join great colleagues as an Advocacy Champion at the 2025 ASCO Advocacy Summit at Congress. We MUST advocate for policies that ensure patients with cancer have access to TOP QUALITY cancer care and support cancer research.” ​

• Dr. Estela Rodriguez, Associate Director of Community Outreach in Thoracic Oncology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, shared on LinkedIn:​

“ASCO Advocacy Summit starting today with remarks by Congressman Herb Conaway. Honored to be here representing FL oncologists to advocate for Medicare/Medicaid, prior authorization, biomarker testing, and many other issues that impact our patients and field.” ​

• OncoDaily highlighted the summit’s activities on LinkedIn:

“American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Advocacy Champions of 2025. From April 6–11, 2025, ASCO is hosting its 10th annual Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. Cancer care professionals are meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to advocate for policies that improve cancer care and research.” 

• Dr. Stephanie Graff, Director of Breast Oncology at Lifespan Cancer Institute, shared on LinkedIn:

“It’s an incredible honor to be named an ASCOAdvocacyChampion. I hope you’ll join me in lending your voice by using the ACT Network. Every voice matters.”

• Dr. Emily McGovern, Medical Oncology Fellow, stated on LinkedIn:

“Over 170 ASCO members from 48 states traveled to Washington, DC for the 10th annual ASCO Advocacy Summit. We asked Congress to: Fix Prior Auth, Fund NIH/ARPA-H/NCI, Address Drug Shortages. An amazing experience advocating for our patients and profession!”

• Dr. Arturo Loaiza-Bonilla, President of the Pennsylvania Society of Oncology and Hematology, reflected on LinkedIn:

“Great day at the 10th Annual ASCO Advocacy Summit! Advocating for federal cancer research, stable funding for NCI/NIH, and reducing barriers like prior authorizations. Advocacy matters!”

• Dr. Emily Touloukian, Medical Oncologist, said on LinkedIn:

“Truly honored to be named an ASCO Advocacy Champion. I’m grateful to be among a community that works tirelessly to advocate on behalf of those affected by cancer.”

• Dr. Ruiling Yuan, Hematologist-Oncologist at UC Health, posted on LinkedIn:

“Honored to be named an ASCO Advocacy Champion! Thank you ASCO for recognizing the work we do to advocate for meaningful changes in cancer care. Let’s keep going!”

• UF Health Cancer Center shared on LinkedIn in support of Dr. Thomas George:

“Congratulations to UF Health Cancer Center’s Dr. Thomas George for being named an ASCO Advocacy Champion for the sixth time! This honor recognizes his meaningful work to ensure every patient with cancer has access to high-quality care.”

• Michigan Society of Hematology and Oncology (MSHO) highlighted on LinkedIn:

“MSHO is proud to have had Dr. Anas Al-Janadi, Dr. Yelena Kier, and Dr. Catherine Van Poznak represent Michigan during the ASCO Advocacy Summit. They met with Members of Congress to discuss critical issues impacting patients with cancer and the future of cancer care.”

 Looking Ahead

The ASCO Advocacy Summit continues to be a cornerstone event, galvanizing the oncology community to influence policy and drive systemic changes in cancer care. Through collective action and persistent advocacy, ASCO and its members strive to ensure that advancements in cancer research translate into tangible benefits for patients nationwide.