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 the Senate Finance Committee Request for Information on Lowering Drug Prices

August 17, 2026

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) submitted comments to the Senate Finance Committee on the Request for Information: Commonsense Policy Options to Lower Drug Prices for Patients.

ACS CAN Comments on Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program Proposed Rule

August 12, 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 Program and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program Proposed Rule.

Quick Summary: One Big Beautiful Bill

August 11, 2026

On July 3, 2025, Congress passed the final version of its 2025 budget reconciliation legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network strongly opposed the health changes included in the bill, which the Congressional Budget Office estimates would reduce the number of people with health insurance by 10 million people by 2034 through major cuts to Medicaid and changes to Marketplace and other coverage.

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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.

Survey: Majority Would Participate in Clinical Trials if They Received Support to Offset Costs

August 17, 2026

Our latest Survivor Views survey finds that 89% of cancer patients and survivors say they would be more likely to participate in a clinical trial outside their local area if trial sponsors helped them organize or pay for travel and lodging to offset the extra travel. The survey highlights how cost and geographic barriers impact clinical trial participation and suggests many cancer patients and survivors would be more likely to participate if those barriers were removed. 

Community Support Letter for S.4440 Clinical Trial Modernization Act

July 13, 2026

ACS CAN led a support letter with 195 organizations supporting the passage of S.4440, the Clinical Trial Modernization Act, a bill that would help remove financial barriers to clinical trial participation. 

ACS and ACS CAN Oppose OMB rule on grantmaking

July 13, 2026

ACS and ACS CAN have submitted joint comments opposing a proposed rule from OMB that would dramatically change how federal grants are made and managed.  The proposal would require political review of grants, make grants easy to cancel, and would erect significant barriers to DEI-related research.

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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.

ACS CAN Supports the PREVENT HPV Cancers Act of 2025

August 6, 2026

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a viral infection known to cause six types of cancer - anal, cervical, oropharyngeal, penile, vaginal, and vulvar. The HPV vaccine helps to prevent most HPV infection types that cause cancer.

ACS CAN Supports the PREVENT HPV Cancers Act of 2025

August 6, 2026

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a viral infection known to cause six types of cancer - anal, cervical, oropharyngeal, penile, vaginal, and vulvar. The HPV vaccine helps to prevent most HPV infection types that cause cancer.

Breast Cancer Screening Saves Lives

July 1, 2026

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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 entitled Cancer Care in Rural America: Improving Access 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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