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

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

October 9, 2020

In the six months since the COVID-19 pandemic arose in the United States, cancer patients and survivors have encountered multiple challenges accessing health care.

COVID-19 Pandemic Ongoing Impact on the Cancer Community: May 2020

May 28, 2020

As the COVID-19 crisis continues, the impact on cancer patients and survivors has further increased.  This follow-up to our April Survivor Views survey shows how the pandemic is affecting cancer survivors’ access the health care, financial stability, and well-being.

COVID-19 Pandemic Early Effects on Cancer Patients and Survivors: April 2020

April 22, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic and responses to help prevent its spread have had far-reaching impact on all Americans, and particularly on cancer patients and survivors. 

Survivor Views: Surprise Billing and Prescription Cost and Coverage Survey Findings Summary

December 4, 2019

This Survivor Views survey examined access to and affordability of cancer care. Survivors report insurance-related barriers to obtaining prescriptions, and lower-income respondents in particular have difficulty affording them.  24% of respondents have received a surprise medical bill, 60% of which were more than $500.

Survivor Views: Pain and Palliative Care Survey Findings Summary

October 29, 2019

This Survivor Views survey examined cancer symptoms and side effects, including pain, and use of palliative/ supportive services. Cancer survivors report many physical and emotional side effects during and after treatment, but use of solutions to address those symptoms is lagging.  Survivors prescribed opioids often encounter barriers to obtaining them.

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