Cancer Prevention

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More than half of all cancer deaths can be prevented by fully leveraging the knowledge, tools and medical breakthroughs we have today.

Providing everyone with the opportunity to have a healthy lifestyle and true access to cancer screenings - like mammograms and colonoscopies - could save thousands of lives every year.

We are working to pass laws at every level of government that are proven to help prevent and detect cancer.

Half of all cancer deaths can be prevented.

Check out our infographic to learn more about Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) tests.

Take Action

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Increase funding for lifesaving cancer screening programs

It is critical that we ensure equitable access to breast and cervical cancer screenings. Urge your member of Congress to support full funding of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

Latest Updates

June 23, 2026
Arizona

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) applauds Gov. Katie Hobbs for signing a bill to improve access and remove financial barriers to lifesaving breast cancer screenings. SB1165, which passed with significant bipartisan majorities in both chambers of the state Legislature, will ensure the full continuum of medically

May 28, 2026
Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – May 28, 2026 – The Knoxville city council passed a smoke-free ordinance Tuesday night by a vote of 6-3. The ordinance will ensure thousands of Tennesseans can breathe clean, smoke-free air in most age-restricted venues. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) applauds the council

May 7, 2026
Hawaii

HONOLULU - On Wednesday, the state Legislature passed a measure to aid in the fight against colorectal cancer as cases and deaths continue to rise in Hawai'i from the disease, particularly in younger people. If signed by Gov. Josh Green, HB 1969 will expand access and screenings for residents across

April 27, 2026
Washington

OLYMPIA, Wash. – – Washington residents continue to face soaring health insurance costs and hundreds of thousands are at risk of losing life-saving coverage this year following changes to Medicaid. The Washington Legislature didn’t do enough to help that situation in its 2026 session and too many in the state

Cancer Prevention Resources

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) supports policies and funding that increase access to “Food is Medicine” (or food as medicine) initiatives and interventions intended to prevent, treat, or manage chronic diseases and often address food and nutrition insecurity.

Our latest Survivor Views survey underscores the critical role of evidence-based vaccinations in promoting public health and protecting communities impacted by cancer. Cancer patients and survivors overwhelmingly agree on the importance of community immunization, oppose limits to vaccine access, and support school entry requirements. In addition, the survey finds strong support for investment in the oncology potential of vaccines.

In 2020, about 9.7 million people identified as American Indian and/or Alaska Native (AI/AN), representing roughly 3% of the U.S. population.