Survivor Views

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Three Cancer Survivors

Cancer Survivors’ Views Make a Difference

Survivor Views is a groundbreaking program designed to further engage cancer survivors in the important policy issues that are part of ACS CAN’s fight against cancer.  Over 3,000 cancer survivors have agreed to participate in Survivor Views by responding to regular surveys on policy issues that support the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer and promote survivors’ quality of life.

Through Survivor Views, ACS CAN hears directly from cancer survivors about their experiences and their perspectives on critical cancer-related issues.  This information helps shape the development of policy positions and provides important evidence to support the enactment of these policies.

51%

of cancer patients and survivors have gone into debt to cover the cost of their cancer care.

View the survey findings

Latest Updates

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New Survey Finds Affordability Leading Policy Priority for Cancer Patients and Survivors

February 14, 2024
National

Protecting free preventive cancer screenings and reducing the burden of medical debt are the top issues of concern for cancer patients and survivors today, according to a new survey by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) that asked participants to select their leading policy priorities for the year.

New Survey: 1 in 10 Cancer Patients Has Been Impacted by Nation’s Drug Shortages with Significant Delays to Cancer Care

October 19, 2023
National

The nation’s drug shortage crisis continues to affect cancer patients and survivors with 1 in every 10 (10%) reporting impacts to care, a majority of whom have had difficulties finding substitute medications (68%) and cited treatment delays (45%). The data is part of a new survey by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).

Survey: LGBTQ+ Cancer Patients and Survivors Concerned about Facing Discrimination in a Health Care Setting

June 26, 2023
National

According to a new survey, half of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) cancer patients and survivors report they are concerned they may face discrimination in a health care setting. More than one-third have experienced discrimination in a health care setting due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, and 75% of those who say they experienced discrimination feel it impacted their health care.

Survey Finds Majority of Cancer Patients and Survivors Would Be Less Likely to Get Recommended Screenings if Costs Were Added

May 11, 2023
National

A majority (58%) of cancer patients and survivors say they would be less likely to remain current with their recommended preventive care if it came with a cost, according to a new survey by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). Over half (53%) of those surveyed quantified the cost that would present such a barrier at less than $200, with more than a quarter (28%) marking their threshold at $100.

Survivor Views Resources

Survivor Views: Cancer & Medical Debt

March 17, 2022

The cost of cancer care is substantially impacting the lives of cancer patients and survivors. Our latest survey finds that half report incurring cancer-related medical debt and nearly three-quarters are worried about their ability to pay for needed care. The impacts of medical debt on cancer patients range from facing collections and lowered credit scores to avoiding treatment for medical issues, with unequal burden across populations.

Survivor Views: Affordability, Prescription Drugs, & Pain

December 15, 2021

A majority of cancer patients and survivors struggle to afford cancer care and over 80% have had to make financial sacrifices to cover their health care expenses. This survey also reveals ways that affordability concerns can negatively impact care and treatment, and explores issues related to prescription drug coverage and pain management options.

Survivor Views: Missed Work and Paid Leave

December 7, 2021

The latest Survivor Views survey offers insight into how a national paid family and medical leave program could benefit cancer patients and survivors who struggle with missed work and lost income due to their illness. While only about one-fifth of workers in the United States have access to employer-paid family leave, 74% of patients and survivors surveyed have had to miss work and the majority have had to miss more than a month, with often difficult financial impacts.

Survivor Views: Telehealth and Clinical Trials

October 27, 2021

With significant changes in how care has been accessed since the start of the pandemic, cancer patients and survivors report positive experiences using telehealth and are willing to use or adapt to using remote care services and technologies in the future. This survey also finds strong willingness to participate in cancer clinical trials, with interest increasing if trial sponsors offset non-medical costs such as travel and lodging.

Survivor Views: Pandemic-Related Challenges Persist for Cancer Patients and Survivors

June 15, 2021

This Survivor Views survey finds that cancer patients and survivors continue to face pandemic-related health care delays one year later, including disruptions to screenings and difficulties accessing care.

Understanding Access to Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic September 2020 Survey Infographic

October 9, 2020

Access an infographic showing results from the September 2020 survey on the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on patient access to care.
 




Survivor Views is made possible by support from Bristol Myers Squibb, Amgen, Merck, Pfizer, and Sanofi