Press Room

Insurance coverage of biomarker testing will reduce health disparities for cancer patients & improve outcomes across broad spectrum of serious disease

In a new, large national study published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open, American Cancer Society (ACS) researchers found the 2018 federal policy loosening restrictions on STLD insurance plans was associated with an increase in late-stage cancer diagnoses in states without or with inadequate additional STLD plan regulatory protections.

Last week, the Senate and House voted to advance Senate Bill 773 and House Bill 1246, legislation which seeks to create more stability for patients by curbing an unfair insurance practice that makes critical medication more expensive and access unpredictable. The passage of each bill in their respective chambers, which now await concurrence voting, came on the heels of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s (ACS CAN) annual Cancer Action Day when cancer survivors, patient advocates and medical professionals traveled to Annapolis to discuss the importance of this legislation in ensuring access to lifesaving prescription drugs. Advocates are hopeful that lawmakers see the bills’ momentum as a call to action to take the final steps to pass and enact the necessary reforms.

Volunteer advocates, including cancer survivors, patients,

This afternoon, the New York State Senate unanimously passed legislation that would eliminate cost-sharing for lung cancer screenings and follow-up tests for all eligible New Yorkers insured through a state-regulated health plan, including Medicaid. Senate Bill 2000, sponsored by Senator Joseph Addabbo, received sweeping, bipartisan support and the backing of a coalition of patient advocates, medical leaders and public health organizations.

A statement from John Manna, Jr., Esq., Vice Chair of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Board of Directors and constituent of former U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey, on her passing.

Advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) join Arizonans in mourning the loss of Rep. Raúl Grijalva, who died Thursday after complications from battling lung cancer. 

During his more than two decades of serving in Congress, Rep. Grijalva championed efforts to improve public health by advocating for the development of new health care clinics in Southern Arizona, as well as supporting efforts to increase access to care by co-sponsoring bipartisan legislation to aid in the fight against cancer. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. –– The Wyoming Legislature closed business last week having again failed to take meaningful action to address the state’s ongoing health care crisis.

Volunteer advocates, including cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers from across Colorado convened at the state capitol for ‘Cancer Action Day’ Wednesday, an event hosted annually by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). Volunteer advocates met with lawmakers and discussed supporting access to care and sustaining funding for tobacco prevention and cessation. 

SALEM, Oregon —— Jane Leo has been named the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Government Relations Director for Oregon.