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.

Check out our infographic to learn more about Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) tests.

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National

Urge Congress to support breast & cervical cancer screenings

Since 1991, the National Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program has provided more than 15 million breast and cervical cancer screenings to those who need them most. Before the end of the year, Congress must pass legislation that supports this program. Cancer can't wait.

Contact your members of Congress today.
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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Great American Smokeout Shines Light on Opportunities for New York Lawmakers to Act to Prevent Smoking-Related Deaths

November 19, 2024
New York

Cancer patients, survivors and advocates are marking the American Cancer Society's 48th annual Great American Smokeout ® by calling on elected officials across the state to do more to limit the toll of tobacco in New York.

35 Patient, Provider and Physician Groups File Amicus Brief Urging the U.S. Supreme Court to Protect Lifesaving Preventive Care Without Patient Cost Sharing  

October 21, 2024
National

Today 35 organizations, representing millions of patients with serious health conditions and thousands of health care professionals, filed an amicus curiae, or “friend-of-the-court,” brief in the case of Braidwood v. Becerra at the U.S. Supreme Court.

Arizona Cancer Advocates Applaud Governor for Supporting Newly Unveiled Cancer Control Plan

August 9, 2024
Arizona

Advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) commend Governor Katie Hobbs for supporting the newly unveiled five-year Arizona Cancer Control Plan. The plan includes policy provisions that pursue additional resources for cancer patient navigation and cancer screenings as well as reinstating the historical leadership for the state in tobacco control policies.

Senate Committee Considers FY25 Appropriations Bill with Significant Increases for Cancer Research Funding

August 2, 2024
National

This week, the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations considered and approved its draft FY25 appropriations bill that includes significant increases for the NIH, increases for NCI and an increase for CDC's Division of Cancer Prevention and Control.

Cancer Prevention Resources

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.

Breast Cancer Screening Helps Save Lives

February 16, 2024

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death in women. Although incidence rates have increased slightly over the past decade, death rates from breast cancer have been consistently declining over the last three decades, largely due to increased screening rates and improved treatment.

Factors Influencing Cancer Disparities

January 11, 2024

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) believes everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. No one should be disadvantaged in their fight against cancer because of income, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, or where they live. From preventive screening and early detection, through diagnosis and treatment, and into survivorship, there are several factors that influence cancer disparities among different populations across the cancer continuum.