By Pat Elliott Expert HERWriter Guide Blogger August 10, 2010 - 5:32pm

The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship provides many helpful tools and services for people who have survived any type of cancer. This nonprofit organization has introduced a new survival toolkit called "Self-Advocacy: Putting Your Skills into Action." Here's what they say about why we should advocate for ourselves:

Advocacy is the act of getting the information you need and speaking up for yourself. Advocacy is not just about activism, and is not only for those who are vocal and assertive. It can happen at a very personal level. For cancer survivors self-advocacy can mean finding appropriate resources and therapies, getting second and third opinions, and asking for what you need.

The Advocacy Toolbox teaches basic skills in six areas:
Communicating
Solving Problems
Finding Information
Negotiating
Making Decisions
Standing Up for Your Rights

You can find the Toolbox at: http://www.canceradvocacy.org/toolbox/toolbox-in-action/
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship is the oldest survivor-led cancer advocacy organization in the country, advocating for quality cancer care for all Americans and empowering cancer survivors.