Access to Health Care

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Every American deserves access to quality, affordable health care. From cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies to the latest breakthroughs in treatment, everyone should have access to the care that could prevent cancer and save their life.  In addition, ensuring that low-income working families have access to affordable health insurance is proven to reduce overall health care costs. 

We are working in every state and in Congress to expand health care options and protect existing laws that help patients get true access to the care they need. 

People without health insurance are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at a late stage, when the disease is harder to treat, more costly and more difficult to survive.

Latest Updates

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Cancer Groups Applaud New Protections for Virginians Facing Medical Debt

April 11, 2024
Virginia

Leading patient organizations, including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), applaud Virginia lawmakers for passing legislation to protect patients from the harmful effects of medical debt.

Senate Votes to Remove Barriers to Genetic Testing

April 11, 2024
Illinois

Cancer Advocates Urge the House to Follow the Senate’s Lead Ensuring Illinoisians Have Better Access to Genetic Testing.

One in Five People With Cancer Participate in Medical Research Studies

April 2, 2024
National

Researchers from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center , the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and peer institutions released new findings in the Journal of Clinical Oncology showing that when all types of cancer research studies are considered, at least one in five people with cancer, or 21.9%, participate in some form of clinical research.

Georgia Legislative Session Ends with Future Opportunities for Increasing Access to Health Care

March 29, 2024
Georgia

With the end of the 2024 Georgia legislative session, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is optimistic for the future of increasing access to health coverage in the Peach State and reinforces its commitment to this effort.

Access to Health Care Resources

Addressing Cancer Disparities in LGBTQ+ Communities

March 20, 2024

A critical factor for eliminating disparities and ensuring health equity is the guarantee that all people have access to quality, affordable health care.

Survivor Views: Preventive Care Coverage, Medical Debt, & Food Insecurity

February 14, 2024

Our latest survey finds that protecting no-cost screenings and preventive care and reducing the burden of medical debt are the most impotant priorities for cancer patients and survivors. This survey also explores the impacts of cancer on food and nutrition insecurity, with impacts felt across income groups and coverage levels.

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.