Public Policy Resources

Share

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.

Search for Resources

FILTER BY:

Woman seeing her physician

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 and ACS CAN comments on Medicare NCD

April 8, 2026

The American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network provided joint comments to CMS on the the proposed decision memo for changes to the existing National Coverage Decision (NCD) 210.3 related to screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) using non-invasive biomarker tests

Vaccination Policies and the Impact on the Cancer Community: The Important Role of Childhood Immunization

March 30, 2026

ACS CAN’s Vaccination Policies and the Impact on the Cancer Community: The Important Role of Childhood Immunization report outlines the critical importance of childhood immunizations for people with cancer and their families, and why maintaining high vaccination coverage among ch

ACS CAN Comments on Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters proposed rule for plan year 2027

March 13, 2026

On Friday, March 13, 2026, ACS CAN filed comments in response to the Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters proposed rule for plan year 2027. 

We offered comments on the following proposals:

View All Access to Health Care Resources

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. 

View All Research, Funding and Drug Development Resources

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.

Federal Tobacco Control Partners' Letter on Office of Smoking and Health's Infrastructure and Funding

April 15, 2026

On April 15, 2026, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, and the Truth Initiative sent a letter to Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, in support of efforts to fully restore staff at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The letter uplifts that reinstating capacity at the Office of Smoking and Health (OSH) at CDC is essential to ensuring congressionally appropriated funds are used effectively and that states, Tribal organizations, and territories receive uninterrupted funding, as well as technical assistance, and data-driven guidance. The letter underscores that without a fully staffed OSH, evidence-based programs that prevent youth initiation, help people quit, and reduce tobacco-related disease and costs nationwide are at serious risk. 

Vaccination Policies and the Impact on the Cancer Community: The Important Role of Childhood Immunization

March 30, 2026

ACS CAN’s Vaccination Policies and the Impact on the Cancer Community: The Important Role of Childhood Immunization report outlines the critical importance of childhood immunizations for people with cancer and their families, and why maintaining high vaccination coverage among ch

Colorectal Cancer in Under 50

March 23, 2026

Overall, colorectal cancer incidence has declined largely attributed to an increase in screening and changes in risk factors. However, this trend is not consistent across all age groups.

View All Prevention and Early Detection Resources

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. 

Cancer Disparities: An American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Chartbook

April 16, 2026

Cancer impacts everyone, but it doesn’t impact everyone equally. For the American Cancer Society (ACS) and its advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), health equity means everyone has a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer – regardless of income, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or where they live. ACS CAN advocates for evidence-based policies that reduce the cancer burden for everyone and is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels.

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.

View All Health Equity Resources