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.

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National

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.

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Urge Congress to Remove Out of Pocket Costs for Prostate Cancer Screenings

Ensure cost is not a barrier to live-saving prostate cancer screenings. Urge your Member of Congress to cosponsor the PSA for Him Act today.

Contact your Member of Congress Today
National

Let's save more lives by reducing obesity, improving nutrition and increasing physical activity

Being overweight or obese is the number one cancer risk for people who don't use tobacco. 

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Latest Updates

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Cervical Cancer Screening Legislation Will Save Lives of Oregonians 

February 2, 2026
Oregon

SALEM, Oregon –– Cervical cancer screenings save many Oregonian lives, but too often patients must make significant financial sacrifice for a full, clear diagnosis and some simply cannot afford to get to the bottom of a potentially deadly initial screening result. The Oregon Legislature has an opportunity to bridge that

Arizona Cancer Survivors, Patients Call on State Lawmakers to Prioritize Access to Care, Early Detection, and Tobacco Control this Session

January 21, 2026
Arizona

PHOENIX, ARIZ. - With the 2026 legislative session now underway, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is leading efforts this session to protect and expand access to quality health care, sustain lifesaving cancer prevention measures, and reestablish Arizona as the country’s leader in tobacco control. ACS CAN

Congress Demonstrates Strong Commitment to Cancer Prevention and Cures in FY26 Appropriations Bill

January 20, 2026
National

Today, the Congressional Appropriations Committees released the FY2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill that reaffirms the bipartisan commitment to advancing cancer research and saving lives by continued and increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Patients, Survivors Advocates Gather in Olympia, Urge Lawmakers to Protect Access to Health Care on Cancer Action Day  

January 15, 2026
Washington

OLYMPIA, Wash. – As Washington residents face soaring health insurance costs and hundreds of thousands at risk of losing life-saving coverage, volunteer advocates of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network will ask lawmakers on Wednesday to use the 2026 legislative session to preserve access to Medicaid and Medicaid expansion.

Cancer Prevention Resources

Breast Cancer Screening Helps Save Lives

February 16, 2024

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death in women. Although incidence rates have increased slightly over the past decade, death rates from breast cancer have been consistently declining over the last three decades, largely due to increased screening rates and improved treatment.

The PSA Screening for HIM Act (H.R. 1300/S. 297)

January 24, 2024

The PSA Screening for HIM Act  (H.R. 1300/S. 297) would remove out-of-pocket costs for prostate cancer screening for those at highest risk for the disease. 

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.