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 HHS Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs Proposed Rule

June 15, 2026

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) submitted comments to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on the Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs Proposed Rule.

ACS CAN also developed a one pager on prior authorization and its impact on cancer patients. 

ACS CAN Comments to CMS re: Arkansas 1115 Medicaid waiver

June 10, 2026

Protecting Access to Preventive Care: The Role of Federal Guidelines in Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Coverage

June 8, 2026

Access to lifesaving preventive services, including cancer screening, relies on federal preventive care recommendations and guidelines that determine which screenings, tests, and services health insurance plans must cover without cost sharing, including who is eligible, the age at which services

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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.

El valor de los registros de cáncer para la salud pública

June 22, 2026

La Red de Acción Contra el Cáncer de la Sociedad Americana Contra el Cáncer (ACS CAN) insta al Congreso a financiar el Programa Nacional de Registros de Cáncer (NPCR) de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) con $63.4 millones de dólares en el año fiscal 2027.

ACS CAN Comments on NIH Strategic Plan

June 19, 2026

NIH plays a critical role in the cancer research ecosystem, driving basic discoveries, supporting research infrastructure, and funding critical research that would not be funded by any other entity. ACS CAN has provided recommendations to NIH as it develops its next 5-year strategic plan. 

ACS CAN Supports Increased Research Funding in FY27

May 18, 2026

Increased investment at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and level funding for Advanced Research Projects for Health (ARPA-H), in the fight against cancer year over year have been key to reducing the nation’s cancer mortality rate by 34% since 1991. To

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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.

El Programa NBCCEDP de los CDC

June 22, 2026

La Red de Acción Contra el Cáncer de la Sociedad Americana Contra el Cáncer (ACS CAN) insta al Congreso a financiar el Programa Nacional de Detección Temprana de Cáncer de Seno y de Cuello Uterino (NBCCEDP) de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) con $265 millones de

Programa de Control del Cáncer Colorrectal de los CDC

June 22, 2026

La Red de Acción Contra el Cáncer de la Sociedad Americana Contra el Cáncer (ACS CAN) insta al Congreso a financiar el Programa de Control del Cáncer Colorrectal (CRCCP) de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) con $51 millones de dólares en el año fiscal 2027.

La División de Prevención y Control del Cáncer de los CDC salva vidas

June 22, 2026

La Red de Acción Contra el Cáncer de la Sociedad Americana Contra el Cáncer (ACS CAN) insta al Congreso a aumentar el financiamiento para programas contra el cáncer de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) a un mínimo de $482.9 millones de dólares en el año fiscal 2027

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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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