Access to Health Care

Share

Photo of a Doctor visiting their patient in the hospital

Related Priorities

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.

Latest Updates

See More Updates

Tim Freeman Receives Professional Achievement Award for Outstanding Grassroots Efforts in Cancer Advocacy

October 1, 2025
Missouri

Washington, D.C., – Tim Freeman was awarded Grassroots Professional of the Year by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) for his outstanding work in grassroots organizing in support of our mission to make cancer a national priority. This annual award is given to an ACS CAN staff

Emory Lights of Hope to Honor Lives Touched by Cancer

September 30, 2025
Georgia

ATLANTA – The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is partnering with students at Emory University to host a Lights of Hope Night of Remembrance and Advocacy on Wednesday, October 1, to honor lives touched by cancer and champion the urgent need for continued investment in funding

State Sen. Steve Livingston Pre-Files SB19 to Expand Coverage for Cancer Screenings

September 24, 2025
Alabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Patient advocacy groups including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and ZERO Prostate Cancer applaud Alabama State Sen. Steve Livingston for pre-filing Senate Bill 19 , which eliminates cost sharing for lifesaving prostate cancer screenings for those covered by state-regulated insurance. The

United States Representative Diana DeGette Receives National Distinguished Advocacy Award for Incredible Leadership on Critical Cancer Legislation

September 23, 2025
Colorado

DENVER, COLO. – September 18, 2025 – United States Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO-1) received the National Distinguished Advocacy Award this week, the most prestigious award presented by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), in recognition of her significant contribution in the fight against cancer and stalwart support for cancer research and funding.

Access to Health Care Resources

Increasing Access to Cancer Screenings for Individuals with Disabilities

September 30, 2025

For the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer – no matter how much money someone makes, the color of their skin, sexual orientat

ACS CAN Comments to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)

September 19, 2025

ACS CAN supports fact-based vaccine policies that fight cancer through increased access and uptake of vaccines that prevent viruses that lead to cancer, treat cancer by boosting the immune system, and protect cancer patients and their families by maximizing community immunity.

The Critical Role of Preventive Services without Cost Sharing for Cancer Prevention and Survivorship

August 20, 2025

Access to preventive services saves lives. Over the past four decades, cancer prevention and screening services alone have averted approximately 4.75 million deaths from breast, cervical, colorectal, lung and prostate cancers.