Experts from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System, joined members of Congress on Capitol Hill, Dec. 14, 2022, to back legislation.

Frank J. Penedo, Ph.D., associate director, cancer survivorship and translational behavioral sciences, director of cancer survivorship and supportive care at Sylvester, spoke in favor of the legislation and explained how it would fill existing gaps in cancer care.

“Despite advances in cancer care and improvements in survival, effectively meeting the chronic and debilitating needs of cancer survivors remains a challenge,” Dr. Penedo said. “The Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act proposes to implement much-needed fundamental standards of care and resources — including coverage and care coordination — to help cancer survivors live their very best possible lives.”

“Dr. Penedo traveled to Washington, D.C., along with Carmen Calfa, M.D., breast medical oncologist and medical co-director of Sylvester’s Cancer Survivorship Program; Patricia I. Moreno, Ph.D., lead of evidence-based survivorship supportive care; and Jessica MacIntyre, M.S.N., ARNP, executive director of clinical operations and oncology nurse practitioner at Sylvester.

The Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act, as introduced, addresses the entire survivorship continuum of care for survivors of all cancer types, their families and their caregivers. In addition to coverage and care coordination, the legislation includes support programs such as financial assistance grants to help those faced with workforce challenges. U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), a cancer survivor, is a sponsor of the legislation.