Access to Health Care

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Every American deserves access to quality, affordable health care. From cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies to the latest breakthroughs in treatment, everyone should have access to the care that could prevent cancer and save their life.  In addition, ensuring that low-income working families have access to affordable health insurance is proven to reduce overall health care costs. 

We are working in every state and in Congress to expand health care options and protect existing laws that help patients get true access to the care they need. 

People without health insurance are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at a late stage, when the disease is harder to treat, more costly and more difficult to survive.

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Courage in Action: Cancer Survivors Unite at State Capitol to Advocate for Change

May 7, 2024
Ohio

Cancer Advocates and Cyclists Gathered at the Statehouse Today to Say Ohio Can and Must Do Better to Reduce the Burden of Cancer

Cancer Advocates Hold Cancer Action Day at Capitol, Urging Lawmakers to Improve Access to Lung Cancer Screening & Paid Medical Leave, Ensure Privacy around Genetic Testing

May 7, 2024
New York

Cancer patients, their families and patient advocates from across the state have come together at the State Capitol in Albany today to advocate for several legislative proposals that aim to address the needs of patients across the cancer continuum. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) gives people impacted by cancer a powerful voice with lawmakers by holding an annual Cancer Action Day.

Advocates Hold Cancer Action Day at Capitol, Urging Lawmakers to Expand Access to Biomarker Testing & Paid Medical Leave, Address Medical Debt

May 7, 2024
Pennsylvania

Earlier today, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) volunteers rallied at the Pennsylvania State Capitol as a part of their annual Cancer Action Day advocating for several legislative proposals that aim to address the needs of patients across the cancer continuum. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) gives people impacted by cancer a powerful voice with lawmakers by holding an annual Cancer Action Day.

Courage in Action: Cancer Survivors Unite at State Capitol to Advocate for Change

May 7, 2024
Illinois

Illinois Must Do Better to Reduce the Burden of Cancer

Access to Health Care Resources

Addressing Cancer Disparities in LGBTQ+ Communities

March 20, 2024

A critical factor for eliminating disparities and ensuring health equity is the guarantee that all people have access to quality, affordable health care.

Survivor Views: Preventive Care Coverage, Medical Debt, & Food Insecurity

February 14, 2024

Our latest survey finds that protecting no-cost screenings and preventive care and reducing the burden of medical debt are the most impotant priorities for cancer patients and survivors. This survey also explores the impacts of cancer on food and nutrition insecurity, with impacts felt across income groups and coverage levels.

Factors Influencing Cancer Disparities

January 11, 2024

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) believes everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. No one should be disadvantaged in their fight against cancer because of income, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, or where they live. From preventive screening and early detection, through diagnosis and treatment, and into survivorship, there are several factors that influence cancer disparities among different populations across the cancer continuum.