Public Policy Resources

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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.

Prevention and Early Detection Resources:

An Open Letter to Formula 1 from Over 160 Organizations in the U.S. and Worldwide: End All Tobacco Company Sponsorships

March 9, 2026

As organizations committed to protecting the health of our children, we write to express our  disappointment at the news of expanded partnerships between Formula 1 teams and tobacco companies. Formula 1 ended cigarette sponsorships in 2006, which was the right thing to do. Now we ask Formula 1 to do the same with other tobacco products, including nicotine pouches. 

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

Comment Letter to FDA on Pilot Program Premarket Review of Nicotine Pouches

December 22, 2025

ACS CAN, along with the American Academy of Pediatrics,  American Heart Association,  American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, and the Truth Initiative urged the U.S.

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.

Cancer in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

November 19, 2025

In 2020, about 9.7 million people identified as American Indian and/or Alaska Native (AI/AN), representing roughly 3% of the U.S. population.

Tobacco Control Resources:

ACS CAN & Federal Tobacco Litigation - An Overview

October 25, 2024

The tobacco industry has a history of using litigation to avoid and delay laws and regulations enacted to safeguard the public. ACS CAN, with our tobacco control partners, has also relied on the courts to hold Big Tobacco accountable and to ensure the federal government is effectively implementing the Tobacco Control Act.

The Tobacco Industry is Not the Public Health Solution

February 9, 2023

Big tobacco has a history of prioritizing corporate profits over people and communities burdened by tobacco-related illness and death. For decades, the tobacco industry has lied to specific communities and the public at large saying their products are not addictive, harmful or deadly. Tobacco manufacturers continue to create and flood the market with newly designed products they market as being less harmful and alternatives to quitting – a tactic that is not new.

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Screening Resources:

National Screening Survey

May 14, 2025

Our latest survey finds that 31% of screening-age adults have been more than one year behind on recommended routine cancer screenings. Over half say out-of-pocket costs are a barrier to getting screened, while 47% report that getting insurance approvals for covered screenings is a barrier.

Just the Facts: Breast Cancer Disparities

May 1, 2025

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the U.S. Although there has been substantial progress in reducing breast cancer mortality in the US over the past several decades, there are persistent disparities, especially among Black women. Additionally, breast cancer incidence is increasing, with the steepest trends among young women under 50. In 2025, an estimated 316,950 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer with an additional 59,080 cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in women, and 42,680 will die from the disease. 

ACS CAN Supports the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025

April 21, 2025

ACS CAN supports the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025 to accelerate progress in reducing mortality from lung cancer. 

Just the Facts: Cervical Cancer Disparities

February 21, 2024

In 2024, an estimated 13,820 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer, and 4,360 will die from the disease. Cervical cancer can affect any person with a cervix and most often is caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Persistent HPV infection causes almost all cervical cancers but fortunately there is a safe and effective vaccine against HPV.

Survivor Views: Majority Less Likely to Get Recommended Screenings if Coverage is Lost

May 11, 2023

Our latest survey finds that cancer patients and survivors would be less likely to stay current with preventive care, including recommended cancer screenings, if the provision requiring these services be covered at no cost were repealed. This survey also explores the challenges of limited provider networks and the need for patient navigation.

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Healthy Eating and Active Living Resources:

Food is Medicine Initiatives to Address Cancer & Chronic Diseases

March 10, 2026

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) supports policies and funding that increase access to “Food is Medicine” (or food as medicine) initiatives and interventions intended to prevent, treat, or manage chronic diseases and often address food and nutrition insecurity.