Cancer Prevention

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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.

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Congress: Prioritize Cancer Research Funding

Cancer diagnoses are at an all-time high. We need Congress to make cancer research and prevention funding a priority in their next budget.

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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. 

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Latest Updates

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American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Calls on U.S. Senate Candidates in Maryland to Make Cancer a Priority

April 26, 2024
Maryland

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) called on U.S. Senate candidates in Maryland to clearly state their commitments to fighting cancer, and one of the candidates, Congressman David Trone, sat down with cancer survivors earlier today to discuss policies that alleviate the burden of cancer, a disease that continues to kill more than 1,600 Americans every day. The effort is part of ACS CAN’s national Cancer Votes program – the country’s leading voter education program for cancer-related issues and policies.

Statement on the Passing of U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr.

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.).

American Cancer Society Statement: Dr. Karen E. Knudsen on Dr. Francis Collins’ Cancer Diagnosis

April 12, 2024
National

In light of the recent news regarding Dr. Francis Collins, former director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and his recent prostate cancer diagnosis, the American Cancer Society (ACS) extends its full support as he navigates his cancer journey.

Governor Youngkin Signs Legislation Aimed at Improving Access to Lifesaving Cancer Screenings

April 1, 2024
Virginia

Last week, Governor Youngkin signed critical legislation improving Virginians’ access to colorectal cancer screening.

Cancer Prevention Resources

Just the Facts: Cancer Screening Disparities Among American Indian and Alaska Native People

April 25, 2024

Early detection of cancer through screening can improve survival and reduce mortality by detecting cancer at an early stage when treatment is more effective. The most recent data show breast and lung cancer screening rates were lowest among American Indian and Alaska Native people compared to other race and ethnicities, and below all race and ethnicities combined for cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancer screening.

Smoking-Related Cancer Deaths by State, 2020

April 4, 2024

Tobacco use causes about one-third of cancer deaths in the nation overall, but the burden varies by state.

Just the Facts: Cervical Cancer Disparities

February 21, 2024

In 2024, an estimated 13,820 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer, and 4,360 will die from the disease. Cervical cancer can affect any person with a cervix and most often is caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Persistent HPV infection causes almost all cervical cancers but fortunately there is a safe and effective vaccine against HPV.