About the Community Oncology Alliance

COA is a non-profit organization dedicated solely to community oncology. COA was founded by community oncology to advocate for patients and providers in the community oncology setting, where 84 percent of Americans with cancer are treated. In only six years of existence, COA has mobilized community oncology to become more politically active, and increased awareness on Capitol Hill about the community cancer care delivery system. Additionally, COA has brought together community oncology practices from across the country to share information in order to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the cancer care they provide to their patients.

Currently, COA is working with the Congress in providing proactive solutions designed to protect the viability of the nation’s cancer care delivery system and patients’ access to quality, affordable cancer care. The cancer death rate in the U.S. has declined due to earlier detection, the quality of treatment, and the accessibility of cancer care. However, according to the American Cancer Society, men still have an approximately one in two lifetime risk of developing cancer, with a risk of one in three for women.

COA Mission Statement

The mission of COA is to protect and foster the community oncology delivery system in the United States through public policy, advocacy, and education. Because 84% of Americans battling cancer receive treatment in the community setting, ensuring the vitality of the community cancer care delivery system is imperative for patient well-being.

The major guiding principles of COA are as follows:

• COA is committed to patients and protecting their access to quality, affordable cancer care.
• COA is a non-profit, grassroots organization created by community oncology for community oncology.
• COA is focused solely on community cancer care in the United States.
• COA is governed by community oncologists who are committed to COA adhering to the highest standards of integrity and patient well-being.