D.C. The March is spearheaded by the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, Friends of Cancer Research and the Intercultural Cancer Council, but has become a nationwide grassroots movement, stimulating events in cities throughout the country. In Los Angeles, cancer health care and support organizations collaborated to develop a regional consciousness about the goals of the March and to organize a Southern California component. The forum, covering various aspects of cancer treatment, research and survivor issues, served as a kick-off to the March. With improved treatments increasing survival rates, there are more cancer survivors than ever. However, according to Marcusen, the increase in advocacy by cancer survivors is not just because there are more survivors to speak out.
Patients are more educated about cancer and the various treatment options now available.
They consider emotional, quality of life and medical issues before making treatment decisions. Marcusen sees the March as a rallying point for the cancer survivors to send a message of hope and determination. Survivors who are participating in the March are going one step further, advocating for other cancer patients and future patients.