Access to Healthcare

Share

Photo of a Doctor visiting their patient in the hospital

Related Priorities

Every American deserves access to quality, affordable healthcare. 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 healthcare costs. 

We are working in every state and in Congress to expand healthcare 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.

Take Action

One Nation Overcharged coalition logo
National

We are One Nation, Overcharged

And together, we're fighting for a healthcare system that puts people first. Sign up to help make healthcare a right! 

Join the Fight

Latest Updates

See More Updates

Over 750 advocates bring the fight against cancer to the nation's capital

September 3, 2026

Next week, over 750 cancer advocates will gather in Washington, D.C. to participate in ACS CAN’s annual Leadership Summit & Lobby Day (LS&LD), a 3-day event where volunteers meet with their members of Congress to advocate for crucial cancer issues. The event is also an all-encompassing opportunity for volunteers to

Tucson Cancer Survivors, Advocates Meet with Congressional Candidate JoAnna Mendoza (CD-06) to Discuss Healthcare Ahead of Election 

August 28, 2026
Arizona

On Thursday, cancer survivors, patients and volunteer advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) gathered with congressional candidate JoAnna Mendoza to discuss cancer in Arizona and policies that can help in the fight against the disease. This effort was part of ACS CAN’s

New Poll: Majority of Wisconsin Voters Support Affordable Access to Cancer Care; Want Lawmakers to Address Youth Nicotine and Tobacco Use

August 18, 2026
Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. – A recent poll by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) shows 81% of Wisconsin voters believe all Americans, regardless of the type of health insurance they have, should have access to affordable cancer screening and treatment close to home. Further, in the poll, 63%

New Poll: Majority of Ohio Voters Support Affordable Access to Cancer Care; Convey High Levels of Concern Over Tobacco Usage

August 13, 2026
Ohio

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Poll Shows Cancer is Top of Mind for Ohioans This Election Season

Access to Healthcare Resources

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.

Impacts of Medical Debt: Findings from a National Survey

October 30, 2023

ACS CAN partnered with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and RIP Medical Debt to conduct a national survey on the impacts of medical debt and high health care costs. Read the full results.