Colorectal Cancer

Share

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 27, 2026
Hawaii

With the 2026 legislative session now underway in Hawai’i, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is leading efforts to work with lawmakers on several initiatives which include defending Medicaid and expanding access to screenings for colorectal cancer for the state’s most vulnerable communities. ACS CAN is collaborating

January 20, 2026
Pennsylvania

At the start of Pennsylvania’s 2026 legislative session, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is calling on lawmakers to seize opportunities to ease the burden of cancer. Advocates are urging state leaders to prioritize affordability and ensure that cost is not a barrier to Pennsylvanians’ ability to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer.

January 12, 2026
New York

As New York State’s 2026 legislative session begins and Governor Hochul prepares to deliver her State of the State address, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is calling on lawmakers to seize both immediate and long-term opportunities to ease the burden of cancer. Advocates are urging state leaders to prioritize affordability and ensure continued progress in the fight against this disease.

May 7, 2025
Illinois

Illinois Must Do Better to Reduce the Burden of Cancer

Colorectal Cancer Resources

The CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control (DCPC) plays a crucial role in providing millions of screening exams, funding state cancer registries, providing technical assistance and funding to state cancer control programs and educating the public directly on how to reduce their risk of c

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.