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National meeting focuses on the future

​ACS National Roundtable on Cervical Cancer launches data dashboard.

On Aug. 22, the American Cancer Society National Roundtable on Cervical Cancer (ACS NRTCC) welcomed 237 attendees to their virtual national meeting, including clinicians, academic researchers, advocacy and health care industry partners, and tribal organizations.

Themed "Force of the Future," the meeting featured sessions on self-collection for cervical cancer screening, creating trusted messaging, and opportunities to engage with subject matter experts.

During the event, ACS NRTCC launched their new resource, the ACS NRTCC Cervical Cancer Data Dashboard, an interactive tool providing a geospatial view of cervical cancer data across the US, including screening rates, National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) locations, and demographics. Participants were challenged to share the news during the meeting, and they met that challenge with more than 1,000 partners reached in 24 hours! Congratulations on this successful endeavor.

Explore the Data Dashboard

Next up will be ACS NRTCC’s Patient Education webinar series, launching on Sept. 18. Sign up for the roundtable’s newsletter to stay in the loop about upcoming webinars and resource releases. 

Social media graphic with headshots of women and text 



  • NBA star Alonzo Mourning headlines Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

    ​Know Your Score campaign launches.​

    During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month this September, the American Cancer Society is raising awareness about the importance of timely prostate cancer screening. Leading with a sports-focused message to men to “Know Your Score”, the integrated campaign seeks to motivate men to ask a doctor about prostate cancer screening.

    Our MVP Survivor, Thanks to Screening

    Former National Basketball Association (NBA) player and Basketball Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning, pictured above, will be featured in this year’s campaign. Alonzo was diagnosed with stage III prostate cancer early in 2024. He had surgery in March 2024 and is now cancer free. He is determined to advocate for men to ask a doctor about prostate cancer screening.

    Here's what you should know: 

    • Cancer screening is for people without symptoms. Prostate cancer screening can help find cancer early, when it may be easier to treat.  
    • The number of advanced stage prostate cancer diagnoses is increasing, after decades of decline.
    • At age 50, men at average risk should talk to a health care provider about prostate cancer screening. Men at increased risk of developing cancer should have that conversation earlier than age 50. (Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines)
    • Studies show that nearly 2/3 of men age 55 – 69 are not being screened for prostate cancer.
    • In 2024, an estimated 299,010 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the US and 35,250 men will die from the disease. 
    • The incidence of prostate cancer is about 70% higher in Black men than in White men for reasons that remain unclear.
    • Prostate cancer has the greatest mortality disparities of any cancer.
    • Black men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. They are also more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage and have a higher mortality rate compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

    Call to Action: Visit cancer.org/getscreened to learn more and find a screening location near you.

    Here’s what you can do: 

    • Visit http://cancer.org/getscreened to learn more about prostate cancer screening and check out the video from Alonzo Mourning!
    • Amplify social content on the ACS brand channels featuring prostate cancer awareness and screening messages.

    ACS IMPACT Initiative 

    ACS is addressing and hoping to reverse these trends with its IMPACT initiative – Improving Mortality from Prostate Cancer Together. By leveraging our strengths across our mission pillars (discovery, patient support, and advocacy) and our efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, we will ensure everyone has the same opportunity to be healthy and cancer-free.

    Black men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. They are also more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage and have a higher mortality rate compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

    Prostate Cancer Roundtable in September

    The ACS will launch the National Prostate Cancer Roundtable (NPCRT) on Sept. 5 in Washington, D.C. The NPCRT joins the other six roundtables led by the American Cancer Society. Stay tuned to ACS2Go for upcoming details. 



  • ACS Hematologic Cancer Collaborative convenes

    ​Cross-enterprise effort to tackle blood cancer challenges.

    On Aug. 20, the National Roundtables & Coalitions business unit of the Patient Support Pillar hosted the ACS Hematologic Cancer Collaborative Summit in Washington, D.C., bringing together expert clinicians, researchers, advocacy and industry partners to further our efforts to address pressing issues in the hematologic cancer space. 

    This was the third of four meetings for this group, who convened virtually in June and July and who will meet again virtually in October. 

    At the in-person Summit, 26 participants engaged in meaningful discussion, building on insights shared prior through virtual meetings and participant surveys.

    Participants spent the day ideating and prioritizing feasible strategies to tackle challenges facing the blood cancer community, with discussions focused on three priority areas: addressing equitable access, managing complexities, and enhancing the blood cancers care experience.

    The energy throughout the day was upbeat and aspirational, and participants were passionately engaged and appreciative for the opportunity to collaborate.



  • ACS and Color Health to provide free colorectal screening kits in rural areas

    ​Pilot initiative builds on collaboration to improve cancer outcomes in underserved communities.

    The American Cancer Society and Color Health have launched a pilot program to provide free at-home colorectal cancer screening kits to individuals in rural and underserved communities, where healthcare access is limited. Recognized by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, this initiative builds on their broader collaboration to improve cancer outcomes through better access to screening, education, and management from diagnosis through survivorship. 

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    Since June 2023, Color Health and ACS have partnered to address disparities in care. Select Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and community clinics in non-urban and rural areas will distribute fecal immunochemical test (FIT) kits at no cost to eligible individuals. Eligible individuals can also request a kit through flyers at libraries and community centers. Our Community Partnerships Associate Directors reached out to participating FQHCs earlier this month to arrange for kit delivery.

    Key features 

    • Free Access: The program provides FIT kits and Color Health's support services at no cost to clinics or patients.
    • Patient Support: Color Health assists patients throughout the screening process, ensuring timely follow-up for those with abnormal results.
    • Clinic Benefits: Participating clinics can offer at-home cancer screening without financial burden, enhancing community health.

    "This program is a key part of our collaboration with Color to ensure everyone has access to lifesaving cancer care," said Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society. "We aim to break down barriers to care for both those with employer-sponsored coverage and those in rural communities who may lack coverage."

    For more information on the ACS-Color free screening program and how to participate, please visit www.color.com/freescreening.

    Like and share Dr. Knudsen's post on X about this news.


  • EverYou program helps patients feel like themselves

    ​New name announced for ACS’s line of cancer care products.

    The American Cancer Society will launch the EverYou™ program this week. The program offers a curated collection of quality wigs, headwear, and post-surgical products including bras and breast forms to help people keep feeling like themselves during and after treatment. After brand research in late 2023, the “tlc” Tender Loving Care program received a new name and visual identity. The program will also integrate a philanthropic model to help address the needs for people who experience financial barriers or do not have access to cancer care products. 

    The launch includes a website, EverYou.com, and catalog that will be mailed starting Thursday, Aug. 29 to individuals and health systems on our current distribution list. More than 500,000 copies of the catalog will be distributed this Fall/Winter.

    The curated collection has been reviewed to ensure each piece is comfortable and fashionable – for every skin tone, every season, every age, every stage, every cancer. EverYou offers one-on-one experts to provide assistance, prompt shipping, and a no questions asked return policy.

    “Feeling like yourself during and after cancer treatment is important,” said Brooke Street, director, online support programs.  “EverYou takes the guesswork out of the shopping process to help patients feel their best.”

    The program’s goal is to achieve 22,050 unique customers in 2024 with 2,205 customers receiving free products.

    To view the collection or request a catalog visit EverYou.com, or call 1-800-850-9455.


  • New section for military veterans is on cancer.org

    ​Info provides resources for this important community.

    The American Cancer Society recently created a section on cancer.org for United States military veterans. They often face unique health challenges, and in some cases might have a higher risk for some cancers because of exposure to carcinogens during service. The section offers vital information on understanding these risks, as well as ways to help lower risk. Veterans can find resources for health care services, support groups, and financial help. The new area contains tabs providing the following information:

    What can increase veterans’ cancer risk? This tab provides information for veterans who may have been exposed to substances, chemicals, and hazards during their military service that can lead to health problems. Some health problems show up quickly after an exposure, but many don’t cause problems or symptoms for months or years after exposure.

    How can veterans lower cancer risk? This tab provides veterans with information on eating healthy, staying at a healthy weight, not smoking, avoiding alcohol, and getting regular physical activity to help prevent or reduce risk of cancer.

    Veterans living with cancer. This tab is helpful to the veteran who has been diagnosed with cancer. The page contains information on understanding a diagnosis, questions to ask the care team, what to expect during and after treatment, and caring for mental health. There is additional information about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

    Additional resources. Veterans can utilize this area to find resources for health, housing, transportation, and more.



  • Updates launched to ACS CARES app

    ​Improvements enhance user experience.

    The American Cancer Society, with support from Deloitte Health Equity Institute, has launched updates to the ACS CARES (Community Access to Resources, Education, and Support) app that offers individualized assistance to those impacted by cancer. 

    The updates are designed to enhance the experience and empower the community of patients, caregivers, supporters, and volunteers. 

    Highlights include:

    • Red Badge Notifications - Our new notification feature means you'll always be in the loop. Look out for the red badge on your app icon – it's your signal that new messages are waiting for you, keeping you connected to the support you need, when you need it.
    • Enhanced Search - Searching for information has never been easier. Our enhanced semantic search understands the context of your inquiries, providing you with detailed and relevant responses as you type. It's like having a personal navigator at your fingertips!
    • Intuitive Volunteer Connections - We believe in the power of shared experiences. That's why our app now offers semantic matchmaking, connecting you with volunteers who have similar backgrounds and understand your journey. Update your "About Me" profile to make the most of this personalized feature.
    • Related Links - Discover more with ease. Our content views now come with dynamically generated related links at the bottom. It's your gateway to a wealth of additional resources and information.
    • Engagement and Support - We encourage all our users to update their profiles and explore these new features. Your engagement is what makes the ACS CARES™ community so special. Together, we can make every cancer journey a little easier.
    • Optimized for Tablets - Enjoy a seamless experience on iPads and Android tablets. The app now looks great on large and small screens!

    The updates are available now to all users of the ACS CARES app. 



  • ACS releases HPV Vaccination Impact Report

    Annual report highlights ACS’ most recent efforts to continue work with partners to end HPV cancers, for everyone.

    The American Cancer Society released the 2023-2024 HPV Vaccination Impact Report July 30. The annual report highlights ACS’ most recent efforts to continue work with our partners to end HPV cancers, for everyone. 

    There are more than 22 million adolescent children in the US who need protection from HPV cancers, with less than half up to date on HPV vaccination by age 13. Ending cancer for everyone includes promoting the power of HPV vaccination to prevent six types of cancer: anal, cervical, oropharyngeal, penile, vaginal and vulvar. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant 13% deficit of HPV vaccination compared to pre-pandemic levels. Regaining ground in HPV vaccination is imperative for protecting children today from HPV cancers in the future.

    ACS has been at the forefront of the national conversation to drive coalitions, health care systems, providers and payers to improve HPV vaccination rates. This work is showcased in the 2023-2024 HPV Vaccination Impact Report which highlights:

    • recent evidence proving the incredible effectiveness of the vaccine
    • quality improvement partnerships reaching 200,000 patients ages 9 - 13
    • a new rural health system learning community and a best practices-in-interventions series
    • global partnerships in India, Colombia, and Kenya reaching millions with cervical cancer prevention messages and programs
    • work of our national HPV and cervical roundtables to catalyze more than 135 organizations for collective action
    • promising practices from state and regional HPV coalitions
    • digital consumer engagement to improve public awareness
    • $9.2 million in extramural research funding for HPV-related research

    This work has been generously financially supported by eight funders, with the Centers for Disease Control funding grounding our work for nearly a decade. The program team and community impact team members bring the work to life through impactful partnerships which deliver our mission in action. This year’s report is dedicated in memory of Stephanie McLean, ACS associate director of cancer centers. Stephanie was a cancer prevention champion in Florida, known for her generosity of spirit, abundance of ideas, and endless positivity. 

    New publication

    A new publication details ACS’ efforts to educate and promote HPV vaccination for adolescents among Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Texas. The article, “That Was an Eye Opener for Me”: Mixed-Methods Outcomes Educating Texas Community Health Workers on HPV Vaccination Using Project ECHO®” was published in Vaccines, in a special issue, Promoting HPV Vaccination in Diverse Populations. 

    In 2020–2021, ACS implemented an eight-session HPV vaccination education program for CHWs using the Project ECHO model, offering 10 cohorts of the course. The program was developed as a part of the multiyear HPV Cancer Free Texas (HPVCFT) project, aimed at closing gaps in HPV vaccination in Texas. The goal of the ECHO was to educate CHWs on HPV vaccination and their role when promoting the vaccine, to increase positive attitudes and beliefs about the HPV vaccine, to increase CHW confidence advocating for the HPV vaccine in their community, and to equip CHWs with tools and resources. The manuscript presents the outcomes of implementing this program to further ACS’ commitment to cancer prevention and reducing cancer disparities. 


  • Global HPV Cancer Free program reaches milestone

    ​More than 10,000 physicians in India were trained in one year.

    The American Cancer Society’s Global HPV Cancer Free program celebrated a milestone in India. The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), Cancer Foundation of India, and ACS reached a shared target of training 10,000 physicians on cervical burden in India, HPV facts, and communications strategies for effectively recommending the vaccine to parents and answering their questions.  

    Trainers and the leadership of FOGSI recently met to enthusiastically celebrate this achievement. The goal was achieved in 12 months with the support of ACS. 

    • 14 Core Trainers trained by ACS’s Global HPV Cancer Free program through a virtual training that leveraged HPV Roundtable leaders as expert faculty.
    • 102 Master Trainers (pictured above receiving their recognition) were trained by the 14 Core Trainers. 
    • 292 training sessions were conducted (184 virtual and 108 in-person) by 102 Master Trainers. 
    • 10,253 member physicians trained as a result.

    The effort was supported by strategic thinking, resources, coordination and technical assistance from the Global Cancer Support team including Sara Comstock, program manager, global HPV cancer prevention, Nina Batista, senior program manager, global cancer prevention, Meenu Anand, director, global cancer prevention, and from the Implementation Science team including Ashleigh Hayward, data and evaluation manager, cancer prevention, Jennifer Nkonga, senior director, regional strategy and implementation, Michelle Burcin, senior director, data and evaluation. 

    This effort is funded in part in part by Cancer Research UK and has a second component that is in-progress at the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP). Conversations are underway to explore other opportunities in Asia. 
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