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.

Gaps in Coverage Are Detrimental to Cancer Patients & Survivors

December 16, 2025

Current federal law has several provisions that help prevent individuals and families from experiencing gaps in their health insurance coverage.  Coverage gaps can delay necessary care, which is particularly detrimental to cancer patients and survivors.  Preventing gaps in coverage is a crucial patient protection that must be maintained in our health care and insurance system.

Survivor Views on Health Care Tax Credits

December 2, 2025

Our latest Survivor Views survey finds nearly three in four cancer patients and survivors who rely on the marketplace for comprehensive coverage stand to lose access to lifesaving care if the enhanced premium tax credits are not extended. Additionally, one quarter of those who rely on the enhanced health care tax credits report that if the credits expire, they will become uninsured or forced into a non-comprehensive "junk" plan.

Marketplace Open Enrollment 2026

November 21, 2025

There have been a number of changes to Marketplace Open Enrollment for plan year 2026. This factsheet is designed to help consumers as they navigate their options. 

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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.

Survivor Views on Artificial Intelligence and FDA Medical Product Reviews

September 14, 2025

Our latest survey finds 80% of cancer patients and survivors agree that industries making FDA-regulated products should provide some of the cost of FDA’s public health oversight. The survey also reveals hesitency toward the increased use of AI, mirroring the sentiment of the American public. Cancer patients and survivors offer tempered support for the use of AI in FDA product reviews if funding cuts extend review times, with a plurality undecided on whether they support or oppose it.

Community Support Letter for Clinical Trial Modernization Act 119th Congress

August 18, 2025

Over 130 organizations have endorsed the Clinical Trial Modernization Act (H.R. 3521).  The legislation would address known barriers to cancer clinical trial participation, enabling financial and technical support of patients enrolled on trials while protecting them from unexpected tax burdens from that support. 

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

May 22, 2025

The Clinical Trial Modernization Act (H.R. 3521) increase 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.

Peddling Harm: How the Tobacco Industry Continues to Mislead our Communities

December 19, 2025

Since its inception, the tobacco industry has relied on deception to peddle its deadly products.9 Now, as cigarette use in the U.S. continues to decline and the industry faces mounting regulatory pressure, it is expanding its tactics.

Excluding Cigars Undermines Public Health

December 18, 2025

All cigars, including large cigars, cigarillos, and little cigars pose a serious threat to Americans’ health, with 10.2
million U.S. adults reporting current cigar use in 2022. Yet, these products remain less regulated than other tobacco

ACS and ACS CAN Comments to the Advisory Committee on Immunizations (ACIP)

November 24, 2025

The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) are pleased to provide comments to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in advance of the December 4th – 5th meeting.

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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. 

Increasing Access to Cancer Screenings for Individuals with Disabilities

September 30, 2025

For the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer – no matter how much money someone makes, the color of their skin, sexual orientat

Solo los datos: Desigualdades en el cáncer de seno

May 29, 2025

El cáncer de seno es el tipo de cáncer que se diagnostica con mayor frecuencia en mujeres en EE.UU. Aunque en lasúltimas décadas se han logrado avances sustanciales en la reducción de la mortalidad por esta enfermedad,persisten desigualdades, especialmente entre las mujeres de raza negra.

ACS, ACS CAN and Partners Joint Comments on Patient Navigation Provisions of CY2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule

September 9, 2024

The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) along with partners appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Patient Navigation provisions of CY2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.

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