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

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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.

Latest Updates

July 10, 2026
Hawaii

Gov. Josh Green took a major step toward treating and preventing colorectal cancer in Hawai’i by signing HB 1969 into law which establishes a state-funded financial assistance program to offer screenings for uninsured and underinsured individuals and treatment for uninsured individuals. Follow up colonoscopies required after a non-invasive screening will

June 23, 2026
Arizona

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) applauds Gov. Katie Hobbs for signing a bill to improve access and remove financial barriers to lifesaving breast cancer screenings. SB1165, which passed with significant bipartisan majorities in both chambers of the state Legislature, will ensure the full continuum of medically

May 28, 2026
Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – May 28, 2026 – The Knoxville city council passed a smoke-free ordinance Tuesday night by a vote of 6-3. The ordinance will ensure thousands of Tennesseans can breathe clean, smoke-free air in most age-restricted venues. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) applauds the council

May 7, 2026
Hawaii

HONOLULU - On Wednesday, the state Legislature passed a measure to aid in the fight against colorectal cancer as cases and deaths continue to rise in Hawai'i from the disease, particularly in younger people. If signed by Gov. Josh Green, HB 1969 will expand access and screenings for residents across

Cancer Prevention Resources

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.

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.

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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