Advocates Make a Difference

• In 1992, breast cancer patients demanded an increase in breast cancer research funding.

• Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) championed the creation of the Breast Cancer Research Program under the Department of Defense (DOD BCRP).

• Fran Visco, President of National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC), insisted that breast cancer advocates be voting members of the peer review panels that evaluate research proposals and decide what the DOD should fund.

• Such representation was unheard of.  A training course was created so that lay advocates could participate in technical discussions.

•  Dr. Moses, Director of Vanderbilt University Cancer Center: “I never thought working with advocates could make such a difference, but it does; it’s helping the scientists think differently about what they are doing.”

• Col. Bertram, Head of DOD BCRP:  “Scientists on the review panel were excited about a proposal for a mammography advance – until advocates pointed out it would require the patient to stand still, arms raised, for 10 minutes.” The proposal was not funded.

“I never thought working with advocates could make such a difference, but it does; it’s helping the scientists think differently about what they are doing.”
~ Dr. Harold L. Moses