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 Drug Price Negotiations IPAY 2028 Public Engagement Process

May 21, 2026

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Initial Price Applicability Year (IPAY) 2028 public engagement process, including results from patient-experience surveys

Survivor Views on Rural Health

May 13, 2026

Our latest survey finds that cancer patients and survivors living in rural communities are significantly more likely than those in other areas to find it difficult to afford their health care and to accumulate medical debt related to their cancer care. As a result of these additional cost burdens, rural cancer patients and survivors are more likely to skip or delay recommended medical care, skip or delay taking a prescribed medication, fall behind on recommended cancer screenings, and to face food insecurity.

The Costs of Cancer in Rural Communities

May 4, 2026

Cancer is a leading cause of death and morbidity in the United States and imposes not only profound health consequences for patients and survivors but also substantial financial hardship.

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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.

ACS CAN Supports Increased Research Funding in FY27

May 18, 2026

Increased investment at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and level funding for Advanced Research Projects for Health (ARPA-H), in the fight against cancer year over year have been key to reducing the nation’s cancer mortality rate by 34% since 1991. To

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

February 18, 2026

Our latest Survivor Views survey underscores the critical role of evidence-based vaccinations in promoting public health and protecting communities impacted by cancer. Cancer patients and survivors overwhelmingly agree on the importance of community immunization, oppose limits to vaccine access, and support school entry requirements. In addition, the survey finds strong support for investment in the oncology potential of vaccines.

ACS CAN Response to RFI on Accelerating the Adoption and Use of Artificial Intelligence as Part of Clinical Care

February 17, 2026

ACS CAN submitted a response to the December 2025 Request for Information on Accelerating the Adoption and Use of Artificial Intelligence as Part of Clinical Care. 

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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.

CDC's Division of Cancer Prevention and Control (DCPC) Saves Lives

May 18, 2026

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges Congress to increase funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) cancer programs to at least $482.9 million in Fiscal Year 2027.

The Value of Cancer Registries to Public Health

May 18, 2026

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) calls on Congress to fund the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Program for Cancer Registries (NPCR) at $63.4 million in FY 2027. Established by Congress in 1992, the National Program for Cancer Registries suppo

ACS CAN, Coalition Partners Call on Interview Magazine to End Tobacco Imagery in its Content

May 15, 2026

In a letter to Interview magazine Editor and Chief Mel Ottenberg, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), alongside the American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Truth Initiative, and Vital Strategies, expressed strong dis

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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. 

ACS CAN National Forum on Rural Health Care

May 15, 2026

On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, ACS CAN hosted its 15th annual National Forum on the Future of Health Care entitles Cancer Care in Rural America: Improving Acess for Better Outcomes.

Cancer Disparities in Rural Communities

May 13, 2026

This factsheet is an excerpt of Cancer Disparities: An American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Chartbook, which examines cancer-specific data on communities disproportionately

Survivor Views on Rural Health

May 13, 2026

Our latest survey finds that cancer patients and survivors living in rural communities are significantly more likely than those in other areas to find it difficult to afford their health care and to accumulate medical debt related to their cancer care. As a result of these additional cost burdens, rural cancer patients and survivors are more likely to skip or delay recommended medical care, skip or delay taking a prescribed medication, fall behind on recommended cancer screenings, and to face food insecurity.

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