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Reducing Health Disparities Press Releases

July 13, 2026

Nearly 200 Patient, Public Health and Health Care Professional Groups Strongly Endorse Bill that Would Improve Patient Access to Clinical Trials

Nearly 200 patient advocacy, public health and health care professional organizations sent a letter to the Senate declaring their strong support for the Clinical Trial Modernization Act (S. 4440/H.R. 3521). The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would help remove cost and geographic barriers that keep patients from enrolling and participating in clinical trials. The bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sens. Tim Scott (R-SC) and Mark Warner (D-VA) in April 2026 and in the U.S. House of Representatives in May 2025 by Reps. Raul Ruiz (D-CA) and August Pfluger (R-TX). 

May 1, 2026

Bipartisan Legislation Aimed at Improving Access to Clinical Trials for Patients Introduced in the Senate

A new bill that would improve access to clinical trials was recently introduced  in the U.S. Senate. Sponsored by Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), the Clinical Trial Modernization Act (S. 4440) would help reduce cost and geographic barriers, making it easier for patients to take part in clinical trials. U.S. Representatives Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) and August Pfluger (R-Texas) introduced the House version (H.R. 3521) of this legislation in May 2025.

April 16, 2026

New Report Examines Gaps in Cancer Prevention, Treatment and Survivorship

WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 16, 2026 – The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) released a new report today showing the scope of cancer disparities in the United States and recommended local, state and federal policies that can help reduce them. Cancer Disparities: An American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Chartbook examines disparities in cancer screening, prevention and early detection, disparities in cancer incidence, mortality and survival, as well as disparities in access to health coverage.

February 10, 2026

Rural Populations Face Greater Barriers as Non-Medical Costs Hinder Clinical Trial Access

Today, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) was joined by 24 other organizations in proposing the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General adopt a new regulatory safe harbor from the Anti-kickback Statute that would allow clinical trial sponsors to financially support patients to offset indirect or non-medical costs associated with clinical trial participation, such as travel, parking and lodging.