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.

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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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Ahead of a Markup and Legislative Hearing in Key House Committees, Momentum Builds to Advance Bipartisan Legislation Critical to Increasing Access to Innovative Cancer Early Detection Tests

September 17, 2025
National

Today, the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means is expected to mark up the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act (H.R. 842).

House Appropriations Committee to Consider Funding Bill with Increase for Cancer Research

September 8, 2025
National

Tomorrow, the House Appropriations Committee is scheduled to consider the draft FY26 appropriations bill approved on September 2 nd by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies. The bill includes an increase in funding for cancer research and cancer prevention and control programs.

Legislation Introduced in NYC Council to Promote Workers’ Access to Cancer Prevention through Paid Time Off for Screening

August 14, 2025
New York

Earlier today, a new bill was introduced in the New York City Council to improve New Yorkers’ access to cancer screening. Int. #1369-2025 will require all private employers with a staff of five or more to grant employees paid time off—up to five hours annually—for preventative medical care, including doctor-recommend screening, ensuring that fear of wage or job loss does not serve as a barrier to workers’ ability to prevent, detect and ultimately survive cancer.

U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Shows Strong Bipartisan Support for Cancer Research Funding in FY26 Bill

July 31, 2025
National

Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations considered and approved its draft FY26 appropriations bill that includes increases for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and increases for federal cancer research funding at the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Cancer Prevention Resources

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.

Improving Health Equity by Addressing Food and Nutrition Insecurity

January 5, 2024

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for policies at the federal, state, and local level aimed at addressing food and nutrition insecurity and reducing health disparities. Having consistent access to affordable nutritious food has a direct impact on a person’s health and can help prevent, manage, and treat chronic diseases like cancer.

Food is Medicine Initiatives to Address Chronic Diseases and Reduce Health Disparities

January 5, 2024

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.