Patient Quality of Life

Share

Photo of a woman in cancer treatment

Related Priorities

Less pain. Emotional stability. Caregiver support. Nutritional guidance.

These are what cancer patients and survivors need when coping with the side effects of cancer treatment. We can reduce health care spending and save more lives by looking beyond treating the cancer and focusing on treating the patient as well.

By supporting the courage, passion and determination of cancer patients and cancer survivors, we will help them defeat cancer and thrive once again.

Latest Updates

See More Updates

Legislature Passes New Protections for Washingtonians Facing Medical Debt, Health Care Advocates Await Governor’s Signature

April 11, 2025
Washington

OLYMPIA, Wash. --– Washington residents facing financial barriers because of medical debt stand to benefit if two bills passed by the legislature this week are signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson. Leading patient organizations, including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and The Leukemia & Lymphoma

State Dedicates Funding to Enhance Free Housing for Cancer Patients Traveling for Treatment

June 26, 2024
Ohio

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) thanks Sen. Nickie Antonio for championing an effort to invest in the American Cancer Society’s Cleveland Hope Lodge, a nurturing home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers.

Biden Cancer Moonshot Announces Expanded Coverage for Patient Navigation in Private Health Plans 

March 8, 2024
National

The Biden Cancer Moonsho t announced today the expansion of coverage for patient navigation services in plans from seven health insurance companies.

Senate Committee Unanimously Passes Oral Chemotherapy Legislation

October 4, 2023
Michigan

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) was thrilled to see the Senate Health Policy Committee pass oral chemotherapy fairness legislation unanimously today.

Patient Quality of Life Resources

Survivor Views: Majority of Cancer Patients & Survivors Have or Expect to Have Medical Debt

May 9, 2024

Our latest survey finds that about half of cancer patients and survivors (49%) have incurred medical debt to pay for their cancer care and another 13% expect to incur medical debt as they begin or continue their treatment. Nearly all of those (98%) had health care coverage at the time they accumulated medical debt. This survey also explores the broad health and financial implications of medical debt, how medical debt deepens inequites, and the alarming rate of cancer related medical debt among younger respondents with early diagnoses.

Palliative Care: Key Studies on Cost Savings

November 22, 2022

This table lists key studies and review articles that examine the effect that the addition of palliative care has on overall patient costs. While results vary, the addition of palliative care typically either reduces overall costs or is cost neutral.

Survivor Views: Copay Assistance and Patient Navigation

July 18, 2022

Prescription drug costs are a significant burden on cancer patients and survivors, sometimes even leading patients to miss or delay taking prescribed medications. The latest Survivor Views survey explores the role copay assistance programs can play in reducing this burden, and also addresses patient navigation and digital therapeutics.