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

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

April 16, 2026
Guam

Advocates, including cancer patients, survivors and caregivers with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) applaud the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services for updating the school health requirements to include the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for middle-school entry. This milestone reflects years of sustained relationship-building,

April 14, 2026
Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa – “Iowa has the 2nd highest cancer rates in the country, and our cancer incidence continues to rise year over year. The state legislature’s vote to restrict access to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for minors will make our cancer crisis worse. Childhood vaccinations are a powerful

Cancer Prevention Resources

ACS CAN supports the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025 to accelerate progress in reducing mortality from lung cancer. 

In 2024, an estimated 13,820 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer, and 4,360 will die from the disease. Cervical cancer can affect any person with a cervix and most often is caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Persistent HPV infection causes almost all cervical cancers but fortunately there is a safe and effective vaccine against HPV.

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.