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

Increase funding for lifesaving cancer screening programs

It is critical that we ensure equitable access to breast and cervical cancer screenings. Urge your member of Congress to support full funding of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

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Urge Congress to Remove Out of Pocket Costs for Prostate Cancer Screenings

Ensure cost is not a barrier to live-saving prostate cancer screenings. Urge your Member of Congress to cosponsor the PSA for Him Act today.

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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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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.

New York State Budget Fails to Address Paid Leave

May 8, 2025
New York

This week, New York state leaders released details on the state budget for FY 2025-26 and patient advocates are responding with disappointment over the failure to produce solutions to improve New Yorkers’ access to paid leave and, with it, their financial mobility. The same advocates visited Albany last month for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s (ACS CAN) annual Cancer Action Day to promote the importance of Senate Bill 172/Assembly Bill 84, the proposal to improve New Yorkers’ access to time off during treatment which now has 73 Assembly co-sponsors and passed the Senate in March.

Hawai’i Cancer Advocates Celebrate Passage of Bill to Fund Study on Multiethnic Cancer Disparities

May 2, 2025
Hawaii

With Friday marking the end of the legislative session in Hawai’i, cancer survivors, patients, and advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) commend the state legislature for committing to health equity by passing a bill that enables researchers to study why cancer disproportionately impacts Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Asian Americans including Filipinos in Hawai’i.

President’s Proposed 26.2% Cut to Department of Health and Human Services Budget Devastating to Fight Against Cancer

May 2, 2025
National

Today, the president released his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 which contains a 26.2% cut to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This includes a 37% cut to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and eliminates the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Cancer Prevention Resources

Colorectal Cancer and the Importance of Screening

February 26, 2021

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States. Yet, about 1 in 3 adults aged 50 to 75 are not getting tested as recommended. This factsheet discusses the importance of screening for colorectal cancer and what can be done to improve screening in the U.S.

Strong Prevention Policies Will Reduce the Cancer Burden

January 10, 2017

Current federal law provides life-saving coverage of cancer prevention and early detection services and programs.  These provisions are crucial to reducing the incidence and impact of cancer in the United States.  They are also crucial in helping cancer survivors remain cancer-free and lead healthy lives.

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