Inside this issue:
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Breakaway from Cancer and Tour of California

Make cancer care a priority in healthcare reform!

Cancer Survivor Toolbox Series: First Steps for the Newly Diagnosed

NCCS Leadership Update

Breakaway from Cancer and Amgen Tour of California cycling events
NCCS partners again this year with Amgen and other leading cancer organizations on the Breakaway from Cancer™ initiative to empower and support people affected by cancer. A complementary component of the Amgen Tour of California, the Breakaway from Cancer initiative was created to increase awareness of the important resources available to cancer survivors and their families, from prevention and diagnosis through treatment and survivorship. Be sure to check our Web site for live updates from the road!

This year’s program features two charity bike rides open to the public on Sunday, February 8 in northern and southern California. The Amgen Tour of California runs a 750-mile course from Sacramento to Escondido between February 14 and 22. NCCS staff will be at every stage of the race, and we could use your help! Volunteers will receive hospitality passes to watch the cyclists, including cancer survivor Lance Armstrong, just feet from the finish line! Sign up to volunteer now!

Speak out: Calling President Obama!
When President Obama and his team take on healthcare reform, make sure cancer care is a priority! Cancer changes a person’s healthcare needs forever, and cancer survivors deserve care that is patient-centered and coordinated, from the moment of diagnosis through the balance of life. Ask the new White House to get familiar with the distinctive needs of people affected by cancer. The new administration needs to hear from you! Send a letter now!

Cancer Survival Toolbox Series: First steps for the newly diagnosed
Each month SurvivorSpeak will highlight a different module of the Cancer Survival Toolbox®, a free audio program created by leading cancer organizations to help people develop essential skills to meet the challenges of their illness. This issue brings you First steps for the newly diagnosed, one of the special topics covered in the Toolbox.

Navigating a cancer diagnosis is overwhelming, but it can be made more manageable with the right tools. This month’s featured module provides information to help you or your loved one get through the initial days and weeks after being diagnosed, when you will be making important decisions that affect your care. The practical information in this module was developed by and for survivors in consultation with professional cancer care experts. Topics include: selecting members of your healthcare team, making decisions and choosing treatment options, important information about your insurance policy, telling others about your diagnosis, finding support in your community, and the importance of survivorship care planning. Listen to the program or read the transcripts online at your convenience.

NCCS Leadership Update
Ellen Stovall is serving as acting President & CEO of NCCS until the Board of Directors selects a successor to Cathy Bonner who served as NCCS President & CEO during the last half of 2008. Ellen is a 37-year, three-time cancer survivor who was NCCS President from 1992 to 2008. She also serves as the organization’s Senior Health Policy Advisor.

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NCCS advocates for quality cancer care for all Americans and provides tools that empower people affected by cancer to advocate for themselves.