Cancer Prevention

Share

Image of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Participant

Related Priorities

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

three volunteers looking at camera
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.

Send a Message Today

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. 

Take Action

Latest Updates

See More Updates

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).

U.S. Senate Confirms Susan Monarez as CDC Director

July 29, 2025
National

Today, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Susan Monarez, PhD, as the next Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

More than 30 Patient and Medical Professional Organizations Respond to US Supreme Court Decision that Protects Access to Lifesaving Preventive Care

June 27, 2025
National

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling in the case of Kennedy v. Braidwood Management.

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.