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.

Comments to CMS re: Utah Medicaid Work Requirements

August 8, 2025

ACS CAN opposes Utah’s proposal to implement work requirements in its Medicaid program, and we urge CMS to reject the amendment request.

Comments to CMS re: Maine 1115 Waiver

August 8, 2025

ACS CAN supports this demonstration application and urges the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to approve it.

Comments to CMS re: South Carolina Medicaid Waiver

August 8, 2025

While ACS CAN supports South Carolina expanding Medicaid, we oppose the current proposal for a severely limited expansion with work requirements and an enrollment cap. We urge CMS to reject this proposal.

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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.

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.

Support NIH and NCI in the Fight Against Cancer

May 9, 2025

To ensure that the research being conducted today yields the cancer treatments of tomorrow, Congress must sustain and expand the support it is currently providing. ACS CAN urges Congress to provide $51.3 billion for NIH and $7.93 billion for NCI for FY2026. 

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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.

Vaccination Policies and the Impact on Cancer Patients

July 28, 2025

Vaccinations are an essential part of care for people with cancer and their families. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for science-based policies that improve access to vaccines that prevent and treat cancer as well as protect people living with cancer.

ACS & ACS CAN Comment Letter to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)

June 20, 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 June 25-27th, 2025 meeting.  Our comments focus on Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Workgroup.

Investment in Tobacco Control: Protect CDC's Office on Smoking and Health

June 9, 2025

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) calls on Congress to support a sustained level of funding of $310 million for tobacco control and reject the elimination of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Office on Smoking and Health (OSH).

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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. 

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.

Sustainably Funding Patient Navigation

April 9, 2024

The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) are united in the goal of achieving health equity and access to quality care across the cancer continuum through effective patient navigation. Yet to date, patient navigation services are still absen

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