Colorectal Cancer

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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

January 17, 2025
Hawaii

HONOLULU – A new report from the American Cancer Society (ACS) released Thursday shows cancer diagnoses are now higher in women compared to men, revealing a shift in the burden of the disease. The report highlights and presents an opportunity for Hawaii State Lawmakers to work with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) to support cancer prevention, treatment, and access to care during the 2025 legislative session.

January 16, 2025
New York

The following is a statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) New York Senior Government Relations Director Michael Davoli: “Coming off Governor Hochul’s State of the State address earlier this week, where access to and the costs of health care were sparingly mentioned, patient advocates are hopeful that the governor prioritizes health care affordability in her executive budget proposal for FY 2025-26.

May 7, 2024
Illinois

Illinois Must Do Better to Reduce the Burden of Cancer

April 24, 2024
National, New Jersey

The following is a statement from Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), on the passing of U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne Jr. (D-N.J.).

Colorectal Cancer Resources

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP) provides grant funding to 20 state health departments, eight universities, two tribal organizations, and five other organizations to help prevent colorectal cancer, the third most common cancer in men and women and the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. for men and women combined.

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.