Public Policy Resources

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As a recognized expert in cancer health policy, ACS CAN develops reports, white papers, testimony, fact sheets, regulatory comment letters and public policy on a wide range of issues related to preventing cancer and improving the health care system for persons with cancer and survivors.  We encourage you to use this resource to learn more about our issue priorities and policy work. If you can't find something you need, you may contact us by using our contact form and selecting Policy Resources from the drop-down menu.

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Access to Health Care

ACS CAN advocates for policies that provide access to treatments and services people with cancer need for their care - including those who may be newly diagnosed, in active treatment and cancer survivors.

ACS CAN Comments on Medicare Prescription Payment Plan second guidance

April 9, 2024

ACS and ACS CAN letter regarding CMS data

March 22, 2024

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.

View All Access to Health Care Resources

Photo of ACS CAN Volunteers at Advocacy Event to Support Cancer Research Funding

Research, Funding and Drug Development

Improvements in outcomes for cancer patients require continued research and innovation.  ACS CAN advocates for robust federal funding for cancer research, as well as research and drug approval policies that accelerate the development of new treatments while still ensuring patient safety.

Economics of Drug Shortages

March 14, 2024

Drug shortages have had a significant impact on cancer patients, causing difficult decisions that have included rationed drugs, reduced or skipped doses, and altered treatment regimens which can lead to less effective treatments.

ACS CAN Comments on March-In Rights Framework

February 5, 2024

In response to a request from the National Institute of Starndards and Technology (NIST), ACS CAN has offered comments on the use of march-in rights to address drug costs. 

ACS CAN Proposal For Regulatory Safe Harbor for Financial Support of Patients on Trials

February 1, 2024

In response to an annual request from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), ACS CAN has proposed a safe harbor from the Anti-Kickback Statute that would allow trial sponsors to provide financial support to trial participants to offset non-medical costs. 

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Photo of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Event Participant

Prevention and Early Detection

ACS CAN advocates for public policies that can prevent nearly half of all cancer deaths by ensuring access to recommended cancer screenings, protecting the public from skin cancer risk, reducing tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke and supporting people in increasing physical activity, eating a healthy diet, and managing their weight.

Smoking-Related Cancer Deaths by State, 2020

April 4, 2024

Tobacco use causes about one-third of cancer deaths in the nation overall, but the burden varies by state.

Congress Should Reauthorize the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

March 26, 2024

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) is highly effective at detecting and treating breast and cervical cancer in low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women – who may otherwise not be screened. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges Congress to reauthorize this critical program by passing the Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services (SCREENS) for Cancer Act.

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.

View All Prevention and Early Detection Resources

Doctor and Patient

Health Equity

ACS CAN supports health equity efforts for all Americans so they may receive access to quality care, no matter their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, income level or ZIP code. 

Sustainably Funding Patient Navigation

April 9, 2024

The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) are united in the goal of achieving health equity and access to quality care across the cancer continuum through effective patient navigation. Yet to date, patient navigation services are still absen

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.

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.

View All Health Equity Resources