> Advocacy – what it is > Current advocacy campaigns > Position Statements

> Consumer Advocacy Training

Advocacy

> Advocacy - what it is

Advocacy:

>  involves representing and/or working with a person or group of people who need 
    support to exercise their rights           
         
>  may involve speaking, acting or writing on behalf of another person or group          

>  may involve working against established or entrenched values, structures and customs, 
    and therefore needs to be independent of health care service providers and authorities. 



There are two types of advocacy: 

1. Systemic advocacy focuses on influencing and changing the system so that people
with cancer as a whole will benefit. Systemic advocacy includes consumer representation
on committees, working parties and advisory groups, policy and law reform activities, media
releases, publications and cancer awareness training.

2. Individual advocacy focuses on the individual and assists families to resolve issues
which are relevant to them or their family.

Why is advocacy important to people affected by cancer?

> Advocacy can support change to health care policy which will benefit people with cancer. 

> It can change community attitudes and misconceptions.       

> It can assist people to gain equitable access to resources, services and financial support. 

> Advocacy can assist individuals to have control over their situation by providing 
   support and information. 

> Ensures that individuals have a voice and that it will be heard. 

> Ensures there is recognition of the rights of people affected by cancer.