Cancer Prevention

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More than half of all cancer deaths can be prevented by fully leveraging the knowledge, tools and medical breakthroughs we have today.

Providing everyone with the opportunity to have a healthy lifestyle and true access to cancer screenings - like mammograms and colonoscopies - could save thousands of lives every year.

We are working to pass laws at every level of government that are proven to help prevent and detect cancer.

Half of all cancer deaths can be prevented.

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SCREENS for Cancer Act
National

SCREENS for Cancer Act

Tell Congress to improve access to lifesaving breast and cervical cancer screenings and save lives.

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National

Let's save more lives by reducing obesity, improving nutrition and increasing physical activity

Being overweight or obese is the number one cancer risk for people who don't use tobacco. 

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Latest Updates

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Se realiza el Día de Acción contra el Cáncer en el Capitolio para instar a los legisladores a incrementar el acceso a la detección del cáncer pulmonar y a la baja médica pagada

May 7, 2024
New York

Pacientes de cáncer, sus familias y defensores de los pacientes de todo el estado se congregaron hoy en el Capitolio Estatal de Albany para abogar por varias propuestas legislativas que buscan abordar las necesidades de los pacientes de cáncer. La Red de Acción contra el Cáncer de la Sociedad Americana contra el Cáncer (ACS CAN, por sus siglas en inglés) amplifica la voz de las personas afectadas por el cáncer ante los legisladores al celebrar el Día de Acción contra el Cáncer anualmente.

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.

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Calls on U.S. Senate Candidates in Maryland to Make Cancer a Priority

April 26, 2024
Maryland

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) called on U.S. Senate candidates in Maryland to clearly state their commitments to fighting cancer, and one of the candidates, Congressman David Trone, sat down with cancer survivors earlier today to discuss policies that alleviate the burden of cancer, a disease that continues to kill more than 1,600 Americans every day. The effort is part of ACS CAN’s national Cancer Votes program – the country’s leading voter education program for cancer-related issues and policies.

Statement on the Passing of U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr.

April 24, 2024
National, New Jersey

The following is a statement from Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), on the passing of U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne Jr. (D-N.J.).

Cancer Prevention Resources

Just the Facts: Cervical Cancer Disparities

February 21, 2024

In 2024, an estimated 13,820 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer, and 4,360 will die from the disease. Cervical cancer can affect any person with a cervix and most often is caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Persistent HPV infection causes almost all cervical cancers but fortunately there is a safe and effective vaccine against HPV.

Breast Cancer Screening Helps Save Lives

February 16, 2024

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death in women. Although incidence rates have increased slightly over the past decade, death rates from breast cancer have been consistently declining over the last three decades, largely due to increased screening rates and improved treatment.

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.