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.

Take Action

black woman getting scanned for breast cancer

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.

Latest Updates

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.

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.

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.

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

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for policies at the federal, state, and local level aimed at addressing food and nutrition insecurity and reducing health disparities. Having consistent access to affordable nutritious food has a direct impact on a person’s health and can help prevent, manage, and treat chronic diseases like cancer.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) supports policies and funding that increase access to “Food is Medicine” (or food as medicine) initiatives and interventions intended to prevent, treat, or manage chronic diseases and often address food and nutrition insecurity.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) supports giving participants of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) financial incentives to purchase fruits and vegetables.