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.

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.

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.

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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.

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. 

ACS CAN joined by 24 groups in support of AKS safe harbor allowing financial support to trial participants

February 9, 2026

Twenty five groups joined to ask the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) to create a safe harbor from the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) allowing sponsors to financially support participants in cancer clinical trials. 

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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.

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.

Heated Tobacco Products Needs to be Included in Tobacco Control Laws

February 17, 2026

All tobacco products, including heated tobacco products, are unsafe. Heated tobacco products (HTPs) should be fully included in tobacco control laws to reduce tobacco use and protect the public from exposure to secondhand smoke.

Cannabis Use and Public Health: Protecting Workers and Communities

January 30, 2026

Smoke-free laws protect the public and workers from the health hazards of secondhand smoke, and those
protections must extend to cannabis smoke. Smoking cannabis (often referred to as marijuana) in public places

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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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