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 340B Drug Pricing Integrity and Affordability for Patients Act Discussion Draft

August 26, 2026

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) submitted comments to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chair Bill Cassidy (R-LA) on the 340B Drug Pricing Integrity and Affordability for Patients Act discussion draft.

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.

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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.

State-level Cancer Burden and Clinical Trial Availability

August 24, 2026

Although cancer clinical trials are often opened in multiple locations, they are not available everywhere. This resource illustrates the geographic distribution of cancer incidence and clinical trial availability across all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.

Community Response to RFI on the Creation of Clinical Trial Support Safe Harbor

August 24, 2026

ACS CAN was joined by 128 other organizations in responding to an HHS request for information (RFI) related to the creation of a new safe harbor from the Anti-Kickback Statute related to clinical trial participation.

ACS CAN Supports the Clinical Trial Modernization Act (H.R. 3521 / S. 4440)

August 21, 2026

The Clinical Trial Modernization Act (H.R. 3521 / S. 4440) increases access to clinical trials by allowing clinical trial sponsors to provide financial support to patients for costs associated with their trial participation, including medical cost-sharing like copays, and non-medical expenses such as travel, parking, food and lodging.

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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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Couple reading medical bills

Eye on Cancer Care

Eye on Cancer Care is a series of white papers and one-pagers that spotlight key access-to-care issues central to ACS CAN’s mission to fight cancer. Ensuring that everyone has access to comprehensive, affordable health coverage and care is essential.

State Biomarker Coverage Laws

July 27, 2026

Advancements in biomarker testing have transformed cancer treatment, improving survival and quality of life by connecting patients with the therapies most likely to benefit them, and coverage is essential to ensuring access to precision treatments.

This white paper highlights the importance of state biomarker coverage laws and offers recommendations to expand access to testing.

The Role of Network Adequacy in Cancer Patients’ Access to Care

May 15, 2026

Cancer patients need timely access to specialized providers, but limited networks can delay care, increase costs, and disrupt treatment.

The white paper explains how network adequacy affects access and offers policy solutions, and the infographic illustrates why stroong provider networks are essential.

Copay Accumulator Programs Increase Costs for Cancer Patients

March 30, 2026

Many cancer patients struggle to afford the cost of their prescription drugs and rely on copay assistance. Copay accumulator programs, however, prevent patients from fully benefiting from copay assistance.

This overview provides an introduction to copay accumulators, and this sample scenario illustrates how money moves under these programs.

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