Colorectal Cancer

The science is clear. If Americans received regular screenings for colorectal cancer, thousands of deaths could be prevented each year. But, for too many Americans, the screenings either aren't fully covered by their health insurance or aren’t affordable due to high out-of-pocket costs. 

The 80% by 2018 campaign strives to pass state and federal laws that remove the barriers preventing people from getting colonoscopies and other lifesaving colorectal cancer screenings. 

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. for men and women combined.

Latest Updates

February 2, 2023
New Jersey

TRENTON, NJ – February 2, 2023 –Earlier today, Governor Murphy signed legislation to expand access to preventive colorectal cancer screenings. A-3523/ S-2305 is a vital new law that will eliminate financial barriers to lifesaving screenings. Half of colorectal cancer deaths in the U.S. could be prevented each year if every

January 11, 2023
New York

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and a coalition of leading cancer centers, patient and provider advocacy groups and others committed to saving lives from cancer, delivered a letter to Governor Hochul today asking her to dedicate $25.6 million to the New York State Cancer Services Program (CSP) and establish a $1 million operating budget line to support the operations of the CSP in the Fiscal Year 2023-24. In 2023 there will be over 118,000 new cases of cancer and over 32,000 New Yorkers will die of the disease. More than half of these cancers can be caught early, when the survival rate is highest. Investing in cancer prevention and early detection saves lives. By investing in the CSP, New York can reduce the number of family members, loved ones, and friends lost to cancer.

December 19, 2022
New Jersey

TRENTON, NJ – DECEMBER 19, 2022 – Earlier today, the New Jersey State Senate joined its Assembly counterpart in approving legislation that seeks to remove financial barriers to lifesaving colorectal cancer screening. With the passage of S-2305 by a vote of 37-0, the legislation heads to Governor Murphy’s desk for

December 15, 2022
New Jersey

TRENTON, NJ – DECEMBER 15, 2022 – Earlier today, the New Jersey General Assembly approved legislation that seeks to remove financial barriers to lifesaving cancer screening. A-3523 passed the full Assembly by a vote of 78-0, edging New Jersey closer to requiring health insurers to cover colorectal cancer screenings recommended

Colorectal Cancer Resources

On Tuesday, September 6, 2022, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network filed comments on the calendar year (CY) 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule. 

ACS CAN's comments focused on the following:

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States. Yet, about 1 in 3 adults aged 50 to 75 are not getting tested as recommended. This factsheet discusses the importance of screening for colorectal cancer and what can be done to improve screening in the U.S.

 

An estimated 151,030 men and women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2022 and 52,580 individuals are estimated to die from the disease. Without a continued, dedicated federal investment in colorectal cancer prevention and early detection, the U.S. could experience a reduction in screening leading to increases in completely preventable colorectal cancer cases and deaths. This factsheet discusses the importance of continued funding for the Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP).