SGO Members Advocate for Research Funding, Patient Access, and Endometrial Cancer Priorities During 2026 Advocacy Day
Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) members and patient advocates traveled to Washington, D.C., May 13-14 for the 2026 SGO Advocacy Day, bringing the voice of the gynecologic cancer community directly to Capitol Hill. The event began on May 13 with a welcome reception, where participants connected with colleagues from across the country ahead of a full day of congressional meetings.
On May 14, the day began with a breakfast program featuring a keynote from Rep. Rosa DeLauro’s (D-CT) office on the power of constituent advocacy. Rep. DeLauro, an ovarian cancer survivor and original sponsor of Johanna’s Law, has been a longstanding champion for gynecologic cancer awareness.
SGO advocates then met with policymakers and staff across both chambers of Congress to advance key priorities, including federal funding for endometrial cancer research, improvements to patient access to care, and continued support for gynecologic cancer education and awareness through the CDC.
Improving Patient Access to Care
Discussions focused on The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation designed to reduce delays caused by prior authorization requirements in Medicare Advantage. The bill would streamline the process through electronic systems, increased transparency, and faster decision-making. While it does not address prescription drug prior authorization, it represents an important step toward improving timely access to care for cancer patients.
Advancing Endometrial Cancer Research
Advocates emphasized the need for Congress to fund the newly authorized endometrial cancer research program within the Department of Defense (DoD) Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) at $10 million for FY 2027.
Supporting Awareness Education and Through Johanna’s Law
Conversations highlighted the importance of reauthorizing and funding Johanna’s Law, the Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act at $15 mil for FY2027. Johanna’s law supports national efforts to increase education and awareness of symptoms and risk factors for gynecologic cancers. Because there are no routine screening tests for most gynecologic cancers, increasing awareness of symptoms and risk factors remains one of the most effective tools we have to promote earlier detection and improve patient outcomes.
Advocacy Day Outcomes
Advocates participated in more than 30 meetings with House and Senate offices to discuss SGO’s key priorities and share patient and clinical perspectives.
Patient stories resonated and helped to highlight challenges with prior authorization, the need for continued research as endometrial cancer rates rise, and the importance of education so patients, families, and providers can recognize symptoms and seek care earlier.
These meetings also provided an opportunity to build new relationships and reinforce existing connections with congressional offices, including those engaged in healthcare policy and appropriations.
Advocacy Day reflects SGO’s broader commitment to ensuring policymakers hear directly from physicians working on the front lines and patients impacted by gynecologic cancer. By sharing clinical experience, patient stories, and barriers to care, participants provided real-world context on how federal policy decisions directly affect outcomes for patients and families.
As healthcare policy and research funding conversations continue in Washington, SGO will build on these conversations to advance policies that support innovation, improve access to care, and strengthen the future of gynecologic oncology.
To stay informed on SGO’s advocacy priorities and help advance policies that improve care for patients with gynecologic cancers, visit SGO Advocacy to explore current initiatives, access resources, and take action.