NCCN Launches Advocacy Academy to Bridge Oncology and Policy

Event summary

  • NCCN announced its inaugural class of 12 Advocacy Academy Fellows on April 7, 2026.
  • The program aims to train oncology professionals in policy advocacy to influence cancer care policies.
  • Fellows will work on projects addressing issues like medical debt, biomarker testing, and rural cancer care.
  • Applications for the second cohort will open in early 2027.

The big picture

NCCN's Advocacy Academy represents a strategic move to empower frontline oncology professionals in shaping cancer policy. This initiative comes at a time when healthcare systems are grappling with access, equity, and affordability challenges. By creating a pipeline of policy-savvy medical leaders, NCCN aims to bridge the gap between clinical practice and legislative decision-making, potentially influencing broader healthcare reforms.

What we're watching

Policy Impact
How effectively the fellows can translate clinical expertise into actionable policy changes.
Program Scaling
Whether NCCN can sustain and expand the Advocacy Academy beyond the inaugural cohort.
Industry Collaboration
The extent to which the program fosters collaboration between academia, industry, and government.

Related topics

Oncology