Survivor Views

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Three Cancer Survivors

Cancer Survivors’ Views Make a Difference

Survivor Views is a groundbreaking program designed to further engage cancer survivors in the important policy issues that are part of ACS CAN’s fight against cancer.  Over 3,000 cancer survivors have agreed to participate in Survivor Views by responding to regular surveys on policy issues that support the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer and promote survivors’ quality of life.

Through Survivor Views, ACS CAN hears directly from cancer survivors about their experiences and their perspectives on critical cancer-related issues.  This information helps shape the development of policy positions and provides important evidence to support the enactment of these policies.

51%

of cancer patients and survivors have gone into debt to cover the cost of their cancer care.

View the survey findings

Latest Updates

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New Study Underscores Importance of Pharmacogenomic Testing to Patients and Finds Many Aren’t Aware of the Benefits

August 14, 2025
National

A new ACS CAN study released in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) finds many patients aren’t made aware of the importance of pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing. A form of biomarker testing, PGx testing examines how variations in a patient’s inherited genes may impact how they respond to different drugs and can improve the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions.

Survey Finds Almost One-third of Adults Have Been More Than One Year Behind on Cancer Screenings

May 14, 2025
National

A new survey by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) found that 31% of adults have been more than one year behind on cancer screenings.

Congressional Budget Cuts to Medicaid would Harm Cancer Patients and Their Families

February 12, 2025
National

The Senate Budget Committee is scheduled to mark up its budget resolution this week, setting the stage for significant cuts in discretionary spending to offset the cost of the package.

New Survey Finds Failing to Extend Enhanced Tax Credits for Marketplace Plans Would Have Significant Negative Impact on Cancer Patients and Survivors

January 28, 2025
National

Eighty-six percent of cancer patients and survivors who receive tax credits to afford Marketplace plans say they would have difficulty getting the care they need without the enhanced premium tax credits, according to the latest Survivor Views survey from ACS CAN.

Survivor Views Resources

Understanding Access to Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic September 2020 Survey Infographic

October 9, 2020

Access an infographic showing results from the September 2020 survey on the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on patient access to care.
 

Understanding Access to Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic September 2020 Survey Findings Summary

October 9, 2020

In the six months since the COVID-19 pandemic arose in the United States, cancer patients and survivors have encountered multiple challenges accessing health care.

COVID-19 Pandemic Ongoing Impact on the Cancer Community: May 2020

May 28, 2020

As the COVID-19 crisis continues, the impact on cancer patients and survivors has further increased.  This follow-up to our April Survivor Views survey shows how the pandemic is affecting cancer survivors’ access the health care, financial stability, and well-being.

COVID-19 Pandemic Early Effects on Cancer Patients and Survivors: April 2020

April 22, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic and responses to help prevent its spread have had far-reaching impact on all Americans, and particularly on cancer patients and survivors. 

Survivor Views: Surprise Billing and Prescription Cost and Coverage Survey Findings Summary

December 4, 2019

This Survivor Views survey examined access to and affordability of cancer care. Survivors report insurance-related barriers to obtaining prescriptions, and lower-income respondents in particular have difficulty affording them.  24% of respondents have received a surprise medical bill, 60% of which were more than $500.

Survivor Views: Pain and Palliative Care Survey Findings Summary

October 29, 2019

This Survivor Views survey examined cancer symptoms and side effects, including pain, and use of palliative/ supportive services. Cancer survivors report many physical and emotional side effects during and after treatment, but use of solutions to address those symptoms is lagging.  Survivors prescribed opioids often encounter barriers to obtaining them.

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