Colorectal Cancer

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The science is clear. If Americans received regular screenings for colorectal cancer, thousands of deaths could be prevented each year. But, for too many Americans, the screenings either aren't fully covered by their health insurance or aren’t affordable due to high out-of-pocket costs. 

The 80% by 2018 campaign strives to pass state and federal laws that remove the barriers preventing people from getting colonoscopies and other lifesaving colorectal cancer screenings. 

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. for men and women combined.

Latest Updates

March 14, 2024
South Carolina

As we mark Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this March, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is calling on the South Carolina legislature to increase funding for the state’s Colorectal Cancer Prevention Network , which provides access to lifesaving preventive care to at-risk South Carolinians.

February 2, 2024
Illinois

As we approach World Cancer Day happening this Sunday and lawmakers continue their work this session, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges legislators to prioritize passing legislation to ease the burden of cancer on Illinoisans.

January 17, 2024
New York

ALBANY, NY – JANUARY 17, 2024 – With her budget address yesterday, the character of Governor Hochul’s 2024 legislative agenda comes into focus, leading advocates to react and highlight opportunities to reduce the cancer burden in New York in 2024. The following is a statement from the American Cancer Society

February 2, 2023
New Jersey

TRENTON, NJ – February 2, 2023 –Earlier today, Governor Murphy signed legislation to expand access to preventive colorectal cancer screenings. A-3523/ S-2305 is a vital new law that will eliminate financial barriers to lifesaving screenings. Half of colorectal cancer deaths in the U.S. could be prevented each year if every

Colorectal Cancer Resources

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP) provides grant funding to 20 state health departments, eight universities, two tribal organizations, and five other organizations to help prevent colorectal cancer, the third most common cancer in men and women and the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. for men and women combined.

On Tuesday, September 6, 2022, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network filed comments on the calendar year (CY) 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule. 

ACS CAN's comments focused on the following:

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.