NCI Formalizes Role of Advocates

BETHESDA, Maryland—In what it calls "a landmark initiative," the National Cancer Institute has established a large network of cancer advocates to provide insights and feedback to its researchers and staff. The new group—Consumer Advocates in Research and Related Activities (CARRA)—replaces the informal manner in which the Institute had sought the views of patients and other outsiders. More than 200 advocates have been named to serve 3-year terms.