Access to Health Care

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Every American deserves access to quality, affordable health care. From cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies to the latest breakthroughs in treatment, everyone should have access to the care that could prevent cancer and save their life.  In addition, ensuring that low-income working families have access to affordable health insurance is proven to reduce overall health care costs. 

We are working in every state and in Congress to expand health care options and protect existing laws that help patients get true access to the care they need. 

People without health insurance are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at a late stage, when the disease is harder to treat, more costly and more difficult to survive.

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The Availability of Junk Plans Harms Cancer Patients and Puts Lives at Risk

November 17, 2025
National

Today, ACS CAN released its first "Eye on Cancer Care" piece, which focuses on the dangers of the availability of “junk plans” that fail to provide the protections and health insurance coverage that cancer patients, survivors and those at risk of the disease need.

With Government Reopened, Congress Must Act to Keep Health Care Coverage Affordable and Pass a Full-Year Budget

November 13, 2025
National

Lawmakers must turn their focus to long-term solutions. It is imperative that Congress moves swiftly to address two critical issues: ensuring health insurance costs do not spiral out of control for Marketplace plan coverage and passing a full-year budget that provides stability for American families.

As Open Enrollment Approaches, Tens of Millions of People, Including Cancer Patients and Survivors, are Faced with Skyrocketing Premiums for 2026

October 31, 2025
National

Open Enrollment for most of the Health Insurance Marketplaces begins tomorrow, Saturday, November 1, and because Congress still has not extended the enhanced premium tax credits, tens of millions of people, including cancer patients and survivors, are facing significant premium increases.

Ann Riley Pink Tea for Cancer Awareness Happening Thursday

October 7, 2025
South Carolina

Columbia, S.C. – Join the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) as we celebrate and remember those who’ve faced breast and cervical cancer at the annual Ann Riley Pink Tea on Thursday, October 9 at 10 a.m. The annual event, named for former First Lady Ann

Access to Health Care Resources

Addressing Cancer Disparities in LGBTQ+ Communities

March 20, 2024

A critical factor for eliminating disparities and ensuring health equity is the guarantee that all people have access to quality, affordable health care.

Survivor Views: Preventive Care Coverage, Medical Debt, & Food Insecurity

February 14, 2024

Our latest survey finds that protecting no-cost screenings and preventive care and reducing the burden of medical debt are the most impotant priorities for cancer patients and survivors. This survey also explores the impacts of cancer on food and nutrition insecurity, with impacts felt across income groups and coverage levels.

Factors Influencing Cancer Disparities

January 11, 2024

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) believes everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. No one should be disadvantaged in their fight against cancer because of income, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, or where they live. From preventive screening and early detection, through diagnosis and treatment, and into survivorship, there are several factors that influence cancer disparities among different populations across the cancer continuum.