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Become an Advocate
How you can use your experience to make a difference for others.
Completing your lung cancer treatment is a huge milestone. As you reflect on your journey, consider whether you want to discuss what you’ve been through with other patients. Sharing your story might bring comfort to people facing a similar situation, and could even help shine a spotlight on some of the challenges other patients might face.
Here are some ways you can harness your voice—and use your story as a force for good:
Reach out.
As a cancer survivor, you can bring hope to people going through treatment or coming to grips with a recent diagnosis. Consider sharing your story with a local cancer support group, reaching out to friends or community members undergoing treatment, or even starting a support group of your own.
Raise public awareness.
Cancer advocates raise awareness at local and national levels by speaking with community groups, local leaders and members of the media about issues that are important to patients. These topics range from insurance access to the importance of early detection and regular screenings. You can also distribute informational materials to local hospitals, community centers or libraries.
Support cancer research.
There are many ways to help fund cancer research beyond writing a check. You can volunteer to help with fundraising events, or even organize your own. You might consider supporting businesses that donate a percentage of profits to cancer causes. And you could sync up with patient advocate groups to help recruit clinical trial participants.
Improve public policy.
As an advocate, you can use your experiences and insights to help push policy changes at the local, state and national levels. Contact lawmakers to advocate for cancer-related issues that matter to you. You can make your voice heard at legislative meetings and government hearings, both of which can help drive change.
Team up with organizations.
Many groups are dedicated to improving the patient experience as it relates to cancer. Some focus locally; others take a national view. Most can use a helping hand. Reach out to see how your advocacy can help advance their cause.
