25 Years of ACS CAN | American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

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Volunteers at the U.S. Capitol for Lobby Day

ACS CAN 25 Years of Impact

Since 2001, the American Cancer Society (ACS CAN) has mobilized hundreds of thousands of advocates, across every state and congressional district. Through millions of grassroots advocacy engagements with policymakers and thousands of strategic partnerships, we’ve made cancer a national priority, giving patients and families a voice in enacting and defending policies that reduce disparities and save lives.

Securing Investments in Cancer Research
National Cancer Institute funding has nearly doubled since 2001, growing 96% to $7.35 billion.
State research appropriations increased by billions including $6 billion for the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas.

Expanding Access to Care and Screening
Medicaid expansion resulted in 20 million people gaining health coverage in 40 states and the District of Columbia.
The Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act paves the way for Medicare coverage of MCED tests for tens of millions of beneficiaries once FDA-approved and clinical benefit is shown.
Biomarker testing coverage laws passed in 25 states expanding access to lifesaving precision cancer treatment.
The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program helped more than 11.4 million women access lifesaving screenings and 30 states adopted laws eliminating out-of-pocket costs for follow-up and supplemental breast imaging.

Driving Progress in Prevention and Tobacco Control
Since 2001, smoke-free protections have expanded to cover 62.8% of the U.S. population, up from just 2.6%, with 28 states and more than 1,200 municipalities adopting smoke-free laws.
The average state cigarette tax increased from 43 cents to $2.05 per pack, advancing a proven cancer prevention strategy that reduces tobacco use.

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