Press Room

Two years after Ocean City local Jeanmarie Mason’s breast cancer returned and spread to her bones, her daughter Julie Groob also experienced a recurrence of her cervical cancer, bringing the two closer together than ever and uniting them in the fight against cancer. As volunteers with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), Jeanmarie and Julie were among key voices in securing a medical debt relief victory in 2024. The pair are approaching the legislative session in 2025 eager to share their stories and advance critical proposals to limit the burden of disease across the cancer continuum.

The following is a statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Pennsylvania Government Relations Director Donna Greco:

“In 2024, ACS CAN was proud to see the Pennsylvania Legislature mobilize swiftly and in a bipartisan manner to bring the promise of precision medicine to more patients. Beginning in the new year, Act 39 of 2024 will make it so that all patients who can benefit and are insured through a state-regulated health plan will receive coverage for biomarker testing, a game changer in the fight against cancer and an essential step in accessing precision medicine treatments. Pennsylvanians also secured a victory for access to care through Act 42 of 2024, the newly enacted legislation that includes telemedicine as a covered benefit in the Commonwealth.

Mayor Muriel Bowser signed the Cost-Free Coverage for Prostate Cancer Screening Amendment Act last week, following in the lead of the seven states that have reduced barriers to accessing prostate cancer screenings. The bill waives cost-sharing requirements for prostate cancer screenings for D.C. residents, meaning that men will be able to access guideline-recommended prostate cancer screenings without out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copayments, or coinsurances.

Governor Carney has signed HS 1 of HB 302 this week, making Delaware the eighth state in the U.S. to enhance coverage of prostate cancer screenings for high-risk men. The bill eliminates costs for certain patients to get these lifesaving screenings, thus reducing barriers and increasing access to care for men over 40 with certain risk factors.

The Delaware legislature has passed HS 1 of HB 302, becoming just the 8^th state to take action to enhance coverage of prostate cancer screenings for high-risk men. The bill would eliminate cost-sharing for these lifesaving screenings, thus reducing barriers and increasing access to prostate cancer screenings for men over 40 who meet certain risk factors. The legislation awaits Governor Carney’s consideration. Advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and ZERO Prostate Cancer are urging the governor to deliver a win to men across Delaware and sign the bill as soon as possible.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Gov. Bill Lee signed HB 2954/SB2883 this week, making Tennessee the sixth state in the U.S. to enhance coverage of prostate cancer screenings for high-risk men.

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.).

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.

For World Cancer Day, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network^® (NCCN^®), American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), and the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) are announcing three key areas of policy focus as part of the Alliance for Cancer Care Equity (ACCE) joint collaboration, including advancing diversity in clinical trials, improving cancer screening and early detection, and increasing access to patient navigation. The organizations are also working with Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL) to observe the day with a congressional resolution.

For World Cancer Day, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network^® (NCCN^®), American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), and the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) are announcing three key areas of policy focus as part of the Alliance for Cancer Care Equity (ACCE) joint collaboration, including advancing diversity in clinical trials, improving cancer screening and early detection, and increasing access to patient navigation. The organizations are also working with Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL) to observe the day with a congressional resolution.