Overwhelming Majority of Cancer Patients and Survivors Support Broad Community Immunization and Oppose States’ Actions Limiting Access to Vaccines

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) released today results from a survey exploring cancer patients and survivors’ attitudes toward vaccines. The latest Survivor Views survey concludes that community immunization is very important to cancer patients and survivors with 88% saying it is important for those they encounter in a health care facility to be up to date on vaccinations, and 83% stating it is important for those in their broader community to be up to date.  

“The responses of the survey underscore the critical role of evidence-based vaccinations in promoting public health and protecting communities impacted by cancer,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “Unimpeded access and broad uptake of safe and effective vaccines save lives and reduce the cancer burden by maximizing community immunity. Therefore, one of the best ways to keep making progress in the fight against cancer is to keep ensuring access to evidence-based vaccines.” 

Out of the survey participants, 37% say recent news reports, debate and changes to federal recommendations have made it confusing to determine whether they should or shouldn’t get certain vaccines, and 16% have skipped or delayed a vaccine they previously would have received as a result. More than half (59%) say recent recommendations calling for shared decision making regarding specific vaccines have made it more confusing for people to know whether they should or shouldn’t receive these vaccines. 

Participants were also asked about their thoughts on vaccine policies being considered by states. Nearly 3 out of 4 (76%) respondents oppose states limiting access to vaccines. Additionally, 86% support school entry vaccination requirements, and over three quarters (78%) oppose states eliminating vaccine requirements for schools (63% strongly oppose). Furthermore, including the HPV vaccine in school mandates is supported by a ratio of 3-to-1. 

“School immunization requirements play an important role in reducing risks to immunocompromised people, children, individuals with cancer and others facing serious illnesses,” added Lacasse. “The weakening or elimination of school requirements will reduce the number of children that are up to date on recommended vaccines, decrease community immunity putting vulnerable populations at risk, and contribute further to the current uptick in preventable illness.”  

In addition, the survey establishes that cancer patients and survivors overwhelmingly support the potential of vaccines in oncology, and 84% agree that the U.S. should be investing in mRNA research. 

The web-based survey was fielded January 14-25, 2026, and conducted among 1,445 cancer patients and survivors nationwide who have been diagnosed with or treated for cancer in the last seven years.