ESTRO Toolkit for Radiation Oncology Advocacy in Europe

Implementing a radiation oncology advocacy campaign

Introduction

WHAT IS ADVOCACY? Advocacy is an active process that uses strategic actions to bring about change in institutional policy and practice, public opinion and behaviour, and public health priorities. It is about building a strong case for action and finding common ground with other stakeholders. Advocacy work may target policymakers at European or national level, health institutions, or related stakeholders such as other civil society or professional organisations. Effective advocacy includes: providing information, education, raising awareness of unmet needs, and proposing solutions. The aims of advocacy can be achieved using a variety of channels, including position papers, stakeholder roundtable discussions, parliamentary debates, policy symposia, media articles, and social media.

A good advocacy programme must start with careful planning. This section of the toolkit provides practical guidance to design and implement a radiation oncology advocacy campaign at national level.

KEY ADVOCACY MESSAGES AND RESOURCES

IMPLEMENTING A RADIATION ONCOLOGY ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN

UNMET NEEDS