Since 1971, when President Richard M. Nixon announced the “war on cancer” with the signing of the National Cancer Act, we have seen an increase of 300% in the number of survivors, which is now reaching more than 12 million in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control. By 2020, that number will likely approach 20 million. Investment in research, early detection, and prevention has contributed to making these numbers a reality, and community-based oncology centers have played a critical role in delivering quality care and improved survival numbers based on the findings of that research. Therefore, it is logical that these same networks of community-based providers that have helped create survivors now help take the next step in addressing the needs of cancer patients on their journey to a life beyond cancer.
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