Public Policy Resources

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As a recognized expert in cancer health policy, ACS CAN develops reports, white papers, testimony, fact sheets, regulatory comment letters and public policy on a wide range of issues related to preventing cancer and improving the health care system for persons with cancer and survivors.  We encourage you to use this resource to learn more about our issue priorities and policy work. If you can't find something you need, you may contact us by using our contact form and selecting Policy Resources from the drop-down menu.

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Access to Health Care

ACS CAN advocates for policies that provide access to treatments and services people with cancer need for their care - including those who may be newly diagnosed, in active treatment and cancer survivors.

The Facts About Medicaid and Cancer

March 14, 2025

As Congress and the administration consider changes to federal spending that could severely cut Medicaid funding and impact state budgets, some facts are getting lost in the debate.

Choice in Treatment Modality Overwhelmingly Important to Cancer Patients & Survivors

February 18, 2025

Nearly all (94%) cancer patients and survivors agree that it is important for patients and their providers to have the ability to choose the type of treatment and delivery that best suits their needs. Patients who have taken oral anti-cancer drugs rate their experience significantly better compared to experiences with IV infusions on several metrics including coping with side effects, time spent in provider visits, and quality of life.

Medicaid Cuts Put People with Cancer at Risk

February 17, 2025

In 2023 10% of adults with a history of cancer in the U.S. relied on Medicaid for their health care. Access to affordable health insurance is crucial for individuals to receive necessary care, especially for those with chronic conditions like cancer. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network opposes cuts to the Medicaid program, as these cuts will make it harder for many people to receive preventive services and cancer screenings, cancer treatments and health care in survivorship.

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Photo of ACS CAN Volunteers at Advocacy Event to Support Cancer Research Funding

Research, Funding and Drug Development

Improvements in outcomes for cancer patients require continued research and innovation.  ACS CAN advocates for robust federal funding for cancer research, as well as research and drug approval policies that accelerate the development of new treatments while still ensuring patient safety.

Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP): At a Glance

March 21, 2025

The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) has been funding cancer research for over 30 years and is a significant source of grants.  The recent continuing resolution to fund the FY25 budget cut the CDMRP program significantly. 

The Intersection of 340B and Cancer Care

March 4, 2025

As policymakers consider changes to the 340B program, there is increasing interest in whether and how the drug discounts potentially affect the delivery of cancer care. Just as oncology influences the 340B program’s scope and growth, this study found that the 340B program influences the delivery of cancer care in the US. 

Comprehensive Genomic Testing for Lung Cancer Patients: Pathologist-Driven Solutions

February 25, 2025

LUNGevity and ACS CAN partnered with Bruce Quinn Associates to develop materials to engage hospitals on pathologist-initiated biomarker testing, providing an overview of the MolDx clarification on CMS "treating physician" guidance.

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Photo of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Event Participant

Prevention and Early Detection

ACS CAN advocates for public policies that can prevent nearly half of all cancer deaths by ensuring access to recommended cancer screenings, protecting the public from skin cancer risk, reducing tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke and supporting people in increasing physical activity, eating a healthy diet, and managing their weight.

Comments on the Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee

February 25, 2025

The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) appreciate the opportunity to comment on the scientific report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. Overall, we strongly support the conclusions and recommendations in the DGAC Report. The following comments provide additional information on the role of diet in cancer and specific recommendations for those tasked with finalizing the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA).

State Tobacco Tax Increases: Explanations and Sources for Projections of New Revenues & Benefits

January 8, 2025

The economic model developed jointly by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (TFK), the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), and Economics for Health (housed at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) projects the increase in state revenues, public health benefits, and health care cost savings resulting from increases in state cigarette tax rates.  The projections are updated annually.  Calculations are based on economic modeling by Frank Chaloupka, Ph.D., and John Tauras, Ph.D., at the Institute for Health Research and Policy at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Jidong Huang, Ph.D., at Georgia State University, and Michael Pesko, Ph.D., at the University of Missouri.

Comprehensive Tobacco Retailer Licensing Laws are Effective at Reducing Tobacco Use

December 16, 2024

Comprehensive tobacco retailer licensing laws can reduce the harmful impact of the tobacco retail environment by regulating where and how tobacco retailers can operate and sell tobacco products as well as providing the licensing entity the authority to ensure tobacco retailers are complying with all applicable tobacco control laws.

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Doctor and Patient

Health Equity

ACS CAN supports health equity efforts for all Americans so they may receive access to quality care, no matter their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, income level or ZIP code. 

ACS, ACS CAN and Partners Joint Comments on Patient Navigation Provisions of CY2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule

September 9, 2024

The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) along with partners appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Patient Navigation provisions of CY2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.

Sustainably Funding Patient Navigation

April 9, 2024

The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) are united in the goal of achieving health equity and access to quality care across the cancer continuum through effective patient navigation. Yet to date, patient navigation services are still absen

The PSA Screening for HIM Act (H.R. 1300/S. 297)

January 24, 2024

The PSA Screening for HIM Act  (H.R. 1300/S. 297) would remove out-of-pocket costs for prostate cancer screening for those at highest risk for the disease. 

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