Cancer Liaison Program

Established in 1963, the Cancer Liaison Program of the Commission on Cancer (CoC) was developed as a grassroots network of physician volunteers willing to manage clinically related cancer activities in their local institutions and surrounding communities. Initially, membership was limited to surgeons; however, in the 1970s, membership was expanded to reflect the multidisciplinary composition of professionals who care for patients with cancer. Today, approximately 45%t of the nearly 1,500 Cancer Liaison Physicians represent non-surgical disciplines.

The Committee on Cancer Liaison directs the activities of the Cancer Liaison Program, including the network of Cancer Liaison Physicians (CLPs) and State Chairs. The Committee also oversees the implementation of priorities established by the funding agency, the American Cancer Society.

Program Structure

The Cancer Liaison Program is composed of a network of 1,500 CLPs serving CoC-accredited cancer programs, and approximately 64 State Chairs who provide leadership to the CLPs in their state or region.

Relationship with the American Cancer Society

The Commission on Cancer and the American Cancer Society have a long-standing history and have shared major milestones in more than 90 years of working together. The financial and staff/volunteer investment between the Society and the CoC has been significant. Each year, the Society awards funds to the CoC to support two programs—the Cancer Liaison Program and the National Cancer Database. Yet, a dollar amount cannot be placed on the value of human resources contributed to the partnership. Past and current collaboration between the Society and the CoC has made a tremendous impact on the support available to newly diagnosed cancer patients, education of the public about cancer prevention and early detection, and physician engagement in cancer control activities at the state and community levels. Continued success of this relationship can significantly influence the reduction of cancer incidence and mortality and increase access to high-quality cancer care for cancer patients nationwide.