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National Volunteer Award winners honored for impact

Achievements celebrated include 2023 Discovery Award winners and others. 

Congratulations to the following volunteer and partner award winners! Together with the Volunteer Leadership Award honorees and other national award winners, which were announced previously during the national Volunteer Leadership Summit in January, these individuals and partners have raised significant funds, served hundreds of patients, and had a tremendous impact on the lives of people with cancer and their families.

  • Early-Career Researcher of the Year: Diana Hargreaves, PhD, associate professor with the Salk Institute for Biological Studies
  • Trish Greene Quality of Life Award: Jennifer Temel, MD, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and clinical director of Thoracic Oncology at the Massachusetts General Hospital; ACS Clinical Research Professor
  • Fredda Bryan National DE&I Award: Angelo Moore, PhD, RN, NE-BC, FAA, director of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity at the Duke Cancer Institute (DCI) Office of Health Equity
  • St. George Award winner, Puerto Rico: Jose C. Buenaga Ortiz, MBA, HSM, CEO of EIG Group Corp.
  • Philanthropy Partner of the Year: Lyda Hill Philanthropies

Pictured above, ACS team members and Philanthropy Partner of the Year, Lyda Hill, posed at a BrightEdge event late last year. Pictured left to right are, Jeff Felis, EVP, South Region; Farnaz Bakhshi, director, Innovation – BrightEdge; Lyda Hill; Alice Pomponio, vice president, Innovation & Impact Investing/managing director, BrightEdge; Amy Berg, principal, Philanthropy; Sarah Ballard, principal, Philanthropy, and Steve Curtis, senior director, New Ventures.

All award winners will be highlighted throughout the year, so continue to watch ACS news and enterprise social media as we spotlight our 2023 winners in the coming months!  



  • ACS and Color Health announce expansion of a comprehensive cancer care solution

    Comprehensive program builds on ACS-Color program launched last summer.

    On March 18, the American Cancer Society and Color Health announced an expansion of their program to form a comprehensive cancer solution for employers and labor unions to support their employee and member populations across all stages of the cancer journey. This expansion builds on the work ACS and Color launched in summer 2023 as the “Cancer Screening and Prevention program.”

    ACS and Color have seen positive results from the initial launch of that program, leaders report, while at the same time have heard consistent feedback from employers and consultants there is a need for a holistic cancer care solution that provides support across the cancer care journey.

    Color is expanding the program to be the primary partner for organizations seeking to take control of cancer in large populations. The expansion adds Color medical clinical teams to manage any abnormal screening through confirmed diagnosis, specialized care for high-risk individuals, holistic support for employees in cancer treatment, and integrated clinical and mental health support for survivors. ACS’ role in the program remains the same. 

    The program expansion will include a first-of-its-kind virtual cancer clinic from Color Health. This portion of the program is managed by Color; ACS does not provide medical or clinical care. This virtual cancer clinic includes: 

    • In-house clinical care team that will include practicing physician teams, a specialist oncologist network, high-risk clinical coordinators, and genetic counselors. Every patient has access to a comprehensive care team of cancer experts.
    • Integrated diagnostics and a nationwide imaging network, which will facilitate swift, high-quality screening and follow-up diagnostic care. The imaging network provides appointment availability in less than two weeks, significantly faster than the national average, and integrated at-home screening tests that remove traditional barriers to access.
    • Robust patient support that recognizes cancer is not only about clinical care. The program’s proprietary and evidence-based peer support program, Color Cancer Connect, offers mental health support services, and Color care advocates take on logistical needs such as appointment scheduling and offer support on financial considerations of cancer prevention, detection, and care. 

    “For the first time ever, we are expecting to see over two million new cancer diagnoses this year. While screening guidelines exist for many of the most common cancers, the challenge is ensuring Americans have the healthcare access they need. This doesn’t stop at early detection. When a patient is faced with a cancer diagnosis, they need support at every step of the way,” Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, ACS CEO, said in a media release about the announcement. “ACS is proud to partner with Color Health to put the patient at the center, ensuring they not only have the best chance at a timely diagnosis, but that they also receive the high-quality care with a team of clinicians to advocate for them, and that they still feel this support as survivors.”

    This expanded program brings with it a nomenclature change: the program will no longer be known as the Cancer Screening and Prevention program, and instead will use a more generic “comprehensive cancer solution” to give more emphasis on the broader set of services the program offers in addition to screening.

    Like and share ACS and Color's posts on X (formerly Twitter).

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  • March 19 free event will go ‘Beyond the Rainbow’

    Panel discussion to unpack inequities LGBTQIA+ people face and how to improve cancer outcomes.

    On Tuesday, March 19, at 12 noon ET, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and ACS CAN's LGBTQIA+ & Allies Engagement Group will host a virtual event, “Beyond the Rainbow: Addressing Cancer Disparities in LGBTQIA+ Communities,” a panel discussion focusing on the unequal burden of cancer among LGBTQIA+ people. This event is free and open to the public. To register, visit fightcancer.org/beyondtherainbow.

    Event panelists include:

    • Dr. Don Dizon, FACP, FASCO, director of Women's Cancers at Lifespan Cancer Institute, director of Medical Oncology at Rhode Island Hospital, and Editor of ACS Journal CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians
    • Gladys Arias, MPA, ACS CAN principal for Health Equity Policy Analysis and Legislative Support 
    • Austin Morreale, cancer survivor and community engagement coordinator, New Jersey Interfaith Center for Cancer Care 

    Throughout the virtual event, panelists will unpack the inequities LGBTQIA+ people face and will discuss how to improve cancer outcomes for LGBTQIA+ people with patient-centered policy solutions, such as inclusive research and clinical trials, and better access to prevention and early detection screening. In addition, the event will also examine patient navigation and Improving access to safe, quality, comprehensive, and inclusive care without the fear of violence, bias, or discrimination.

    ACS CAN’s LGBTQ+ & Allies Engagement Group advises ACS CAN on initiatives that impact LGBTQ+ communities through supporting outreach and engagement strategies, increasing awareness, and providing information and resources for specific communities, volunteers, and partners. For more information on how to support or join the Engagement Group, visit their website.


  • Yosemite and ACS launch $13.2M grant program

    Award will support innovative research to develop methodologies, establish feasibility, or pilot high risk/high reward projects.

    Yosemite, an oncology-focused venture capital firm based in San Francisco, CA, and ACS have announced the launch of the Yosemite-American Cancer Society Award (Yosemite-ACS Award) with an initial commitment of $13.2 million. The grant program will support innovative research to develop methodologies, establish feasibility, or pilot high risk/high reward projects to advance the prLogo graphic with the word Yosemiteevention, diagnosis, or treatment of cancer.

    Yosemite and ACS developed the highly competitive Yosemite-ACS Award to make an immediate impact in supporting innovative research taking place at prominent institutions across the country.

    “Funding innovative research is a critical tool in our efforts to improve the lives of cancer patients and their families. In joining forces, ACS and Yosemite will work to advance the most promising research through the Yosemite-ACS Award,” said Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, CEO for the American Cancer Society. “The American Cancer Society is honored to partner with Yosemite and to provide this bold platform to advance cancer discoveries that will save lives.”

    The Yosemite-ACS Award aims to support a range of dedicated investigators from early career to nationally recognized scientists focused on the most promising science to advance key areas of cancer research. The two-year Yosemite-ACS Award offers up to $330,000 for one or two-year projects related to (1) the application of transformative AI models to make novel discoveries impacting cancer patients, and (2) research in immuno-oncology and cell therapy approaches.

    The Yosemite-ACS Award will include a rigorous peer review process evaluating approach, innovation, and impact. Selection of the grantees will be made jointly by Yosemite and ACS following recommendation and review with the Yosemite-ACS Award Scientific Advisory Board (SAB).

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  • Volunteer Leadership Summit sessions available via playback

    Eight recordings include State of the Society and Volunteer Leadership Award presentations.

    Most general sessions from the Volunteer Leadership Summit in January have been packaged for playback and are accessible on My Society Source for both ACS team members and leadership volunteers to view. The Volunteer Leadership Summit is an opportunity to bring together and help empower our Area Board leaders and other key volunteers to amplify our mission and revenue priorities in their local communities and beyond. Check out any of the following for a glimpse into this impactful annual event:

    Welcome, Brian Marlow

    • Brian Marlow, chair of the Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society, welcomes volunteer leaders, illustrating the purpose of the annual Volunteer Leadership Summit

    Welcome, Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Leonard 

    • Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, chair of the Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, welcomes volunteer leaders, emphasizing the importance of their commitment to the organization’s mission

    Volunteer Leadership Award, Dr. Paul Schroy

    • Dr. Paul Schroy, who has served as a part of the Colorectal Cancer Roundtable since its inception, accepts the national Volunteer Leadership Award

    Volunteer Leadership Award, Scott Rollin

    • Scott Rollin, who has been a vocal champion for engaging volunteers in meaningful and strategic work at ACS for more than 20 years, accepts the national Volunteer Leadership Award

    CEO State of the Society

    • CEO Dr. Karen Knudsen shares a detailed look at ACS priorities and activations with volunteer leadership, pictured above

    Remembering Jim Bond

    • Michael L. Neal, chief of organizational advancement, and Stacy McGrath, co-chair of the Pan Ohio Hope Ride, acknowledge the decades long commitment of the late Jim Bond and his wife Kathleen

    Cancer Facts & Figures

    • Kimberly Jackson, executive vice president – Southeast Region, and Dr. Bill Dahut, chief scientific officer, discuss the release of the 2024 Cancer Facts & Figures, emphasizing the importance of the annual publication 

    Dr. Adrian Tyndall on Health Equity

    • Dr. Joseph “Adrian” Tyndall, executive vice president of Health Affairs, professor and dean at Morehouse School of Medicine, expands on the importance of health equity, health justice, and what we are trying to achieve

  • President’s FY25 budget prioritizes funding for cancer research and prevention

    ACS CAN to Congress: Commit to robust funding to promote continued progress in fight against cancer.​

    The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is pleased to see President Biden’s continued focus on and dedication to achieving the goal of the Cancer Moonshot to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.  

    As part of his FY25 budget proposal released on March 11, the president prioritized reducing the cancer burden nationwide through sustained investment in accelerated research at the Advanced Research Projects Agency on Health (ARPA-H) and increased investment in cancer prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  

    The budget also included a proposal to reauthorize the 21st Century Cures Act Cancer Moonshot Program through FY26 by providing $2.9 billion in mandatory funding for more than two years and increases for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Cancer Institute (NCI). The proposal would increase the CDC Cancer Programs by $90 million during FY23, including a $45 million increase for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.  

    The following are statement from ACS CAN President Lisa Lacasse on the president’s FY25 budget release: 

    “We’re pleased to see President Biden continue to identify opportunities to focus our nation’s investment on addressing the more than 200 diseases known as cancer, particularly amidst a difficult budget year.  

    “The progress made in reducing our nation’s cancer mortality rate is undeniable, but much work remains. On behalf of the 2 million individuals who will hear the words: ‘you have cancer’ and the families of more than 611,000 who are expected to die from the disease in America this year, Congress must build on the president’s budget and prioritize funding in the fight against cancer so we can end cancer as we know it, for everyone.”    

    On federal research funding... 

    “A proposed increase of $871.5 million over FY23 million for NIH, including an increase of $522 million for NCI as well as   $1.5 billion for ARPA-H, and a proposal to reauthorize the 21st Century Cures Act, which includes $2.9 billion for the Cancer Moonshot, through FY2026,would continue to build on the critical advances we’ve made to date and spur further discovery that is essential to further saving lives from cancer.  

    “It is clear the president is keenly focused on accelerating discovery, and research has been and will continue to be paramount to our ability to achieve the goals of the Moonshot. We will continue to elevate the importance of NCI’s work and advocate for robust increases year over year to maximize our potential in ending cancer as we know it, for everyone.  

    On federal cancer prevention programs... 

    “A funding increase for cancer control programs like the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and the Office of Smoking and Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would further promote proven cancer prevention and early detection. It is imperative that federal resources are dedicated to applying what we know and promoting discovery for the cancers that remain deadly. 

    On clinical trials... 

    “The federal government has played an instrumental role in cancer advances and discovery over the last half century. Clinical trials conducted through the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI’s) National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN) are estimated to have extended the lives of patients with cancer in the U.S. by at least 14.2 million life-years. As the largest public funder in the fight against cancer, that investment by the federal government must be prioritized to ensure progress to achieve the Moonshot goals continues. 

    On access to affordable, quality care...

    “Equitable access to affordable, comprehensive care is imperative to truly realize the potential of the advances we have made and will make in how we prevent, detect, and treat cancer and promote survivorship. “Making expanded Marketplace subsidies permanent and closing the Medicaid coverage gap in states that have yet to expand Medicaid both play a pivotal role in achieving the president’s ambitious Moonshot goal of significantly reducing cancer incidence and deaths in the next 25 years. We will continue to strongly advocate for these policy interventions that are proven to help people access and afford their health care.” 

    On paid medical and family leave... 

    “Furthermore, having access to paid medical and family leave is critical for cancer patients, caregivers and survivors. ACS CAN research has found that a majority (74%) of cancer patients and survivors say they missed work due to their illness, most of whom reported missing more than four weeks of work. If we are to significantly reduce cancer deaths, we must work to ensure individuals aren’t forced to choose between their treatment and their employment. 



  • President highlights cancer priorities in State of the Union address

    Priorities critical to achieving Cancer Moonshot goal, ACS CAN says.

    During his State of the Union Address on March 7, President Joe Biden called for policy change to address the cancer burden. The president highlighted several priorities critical to reaching his ambitious Cancer Moonshot goal of significantly reducing cancer incidence and deaths in the next 25 years.

    Noting that “we can do big things like end cancer as we know it,” the president called for continued federal investment in medical research through the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), which focuses explicitly on bold, transformative, and applied research projects. Increased federal investment in medical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has long been an advocacy priority for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).

    "We're proud to see the president's continued commitment to end cancer as we know it, for everyone, by sustained and significant federal investment in medical research through ARPA-H,” American Cancer Society (ACS) and ACS CAN CEO Dr. Karen E. Knudsen said in response. “Building on our nation's core investment in cancer research at the NIH and NCI, as well as additional funding for ARPA-H, are essential to reducing our country's cancer incidence and mortality rates, particularly as cancer incidence rates are expected to reach an all-time high this year.”

    Dr. Knudsen also noted, “We are making incredible strides against the more than 200 diseases that we call cancer. But this progress and future breakthroughs are at risk if we let up on our commitment to cancer research. We look forward to working with the president and Congress to build on our nation's federal investment in the fight against cancer through ARPA-H so that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer."

    President Biden also urged Congress to lower the cost of prescription drugs so that cancer patients can afford treatment, and support making enhanced Marketplace subsidies permanent to allow more people access to affordable care. 

    “We applaud the president for his commitment to equitable access to care by calling on Congress to make enhanced Marketplace subsidies permanent and allow more people access to affordable care,” said Dr. Knudsen. “Without action, many cancer patients who are undergoing treatment will face skyrocketing premiums when the current extension expires. We look forward to working with the president and Congress to make the enhanced credits permanent so that individuals facing a cancer diagnosis can receive the comprehensive care they need.”

    In addition, the President also mentioned signing the PACT Act in law, which expands Veterans Administration health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. 



  • February Advocacy Update

    ​Latest updates include the release of the Advocacy Accomplishments Report, illustrating ACS CAN's tremendous impact in 2023.

    A message from ACS CAN President Lisa Lacasse

    Throughout the last month, I've been grateful for the opportunities I've had to witness the collective strength of our team and volunteers as they work tirelessly to move our policy priorities forward. This week, we were proud to release ACS CAN's 2023 Advocacy Accomplishments Report, illustrating ACS CAN's tremendous impact last year. Please continue to share with your networks.

    If you are following headlines, you'll know Congress has again pushed the deadline to pass a federal budget. Volunteers across the country continue to urge lawmakers to pass a budget that increases funding for cancer research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Cancer Institute (NCI), as well as funding for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) programs, which are critical priorities for us.

    Outlining our priorities and celebrating our impact, ACS CAN held our first Board meeting of 2024, which included a joint meeting with the American Cancer Society (ACS) Board in Philadelphia. During our meeting, Dr. Knudsen highlighted ACS CAN's incredible work in 2023 that touched 71.1M lives. The progress we’ve made towards increasing access to biomarker testing, reducing barriers to cancer screening, Medicaid expansion, and tobacco control efforts is thanks to our incredible team, volunteers and supporters. You are what makes ACS CAN so special!

    In February, Black History Month was an opportunity to honor trailblazers who changed the face of cancer care. We were inspired by ACS’ African American/Black Employee and Engagement Group (EEG) Black History Month Webinar on “Navigating the Intersection: Black Leadership, DEI, & Health Equity," moderated by ACS Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Tawana Thomas-Johnson. A special thank you to ACS CAN Board Chair Dr. Kimberley Jeffries Leonard and ACS board members Dr. Robert Winn and Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick for sharing their rich perspectives and insights on advancing equity across the cancer care continuum.

    I also had the honor of attending our first-ever ACS CAN Affinity Group Roundtable in Chicago. (See photo at right.) When I became president of ACS CAN in 2019, I looked forward to a convening of volunteers and leaders who truly represent patient voices nationwide and the diversity of the communities impacted by cancer. Since then, we’ve grown our affinity groups— ACS CAN’s Black Volunteer Caucus, LGBTQIA+ and Allies Engagement Group, ACSi Se Puede, Asian and Pacific Islander Volunteer Caucus and Young Leaders Caucus— who are crucial to our progress in diversifying and expanding our grassroots network. We were thrilled to welcome Indigenous volunteers as well, as we look forward to strengthening our partnerships with Native Tribal Communities and supporting an emerging affinity group. As we continue to offer our full support and partnership to these leaders, I’m so excited about the impact we will continue to make and our power to influence public policies together.

    ACS CAN Board Members Jose Ramos and Philip O’Brien were in attendance for these insightful days of listening and learning. Thanks to Jose and Phil and everyone on our team who helped make our Affinity Group Roundtable possible!

    I’d like to also shout out our new Cancer Votes National Ambassador, Philip O’Brien, who will serve as brand ambassador for Cancer Votes to stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and the media, ahead of this year’s elections.

    And to round off a month of celebration, we are immensely proud that ACS CAN’s North Carolina Medicaid Expansion Campaign Team received one of the inaugural OneACS Awards in recognition for their long-term effort towards this win. This award is the highest honor given by ACS and ACS CAN for the exceptional contributions of individuals or teams toward our cancer mission. Their impact is helping illuminate a path forward to expand Medicaid in the 10 remaining states that have yet to do so, one of our top priorities for this year. ACS CAN is currently running ads in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi as part of our work to make that happen. 

    I am grateful for your continued partnership.


    In Case You Missed It:

    New Survey Finds Affordability Leading Policy Priority for Cancer Patients and Survivors

    In ACS CAN’s most recent Survivor Views survey, 52% of respondents selected protecting no-cost preventive care, including cancer screenings, as their top policy priority, compared to 37% in 2020. The system is failing families touched by cancer as affordability continues to be one of the leading barriers to cancer care and a primary cause of medical debt. Today’s high cost of cancer care is also leading to food insecurity for patients, particularly for individuals with lower incomes and Black and Hispanic patients. More than 40% of cancer patients and survivors surveyed report that the cost of their cancer care has impacted their ability to afford to purchase food. Read more.

    As part of ACS CAN’s ongoing commitment to making cancer care affordable for everyone, ACS CAN's 2024 Forum on the Future of Health Care on May 9th will focus on alleviating the burden of medical debt many cancer patients, survivors and their families face. Please register to join us in-person or virtually. 

    Journal of Clinical Oncology Publishes Paper on PGx Testing

    A new paper released in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, co-authored by ACS CAN’s policy experts, Dr. Sharon Shriver, Devon Adams, Dr. Mark Fleury and external stakeholders, finds that while incorporating pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing into cancer care can help improve patient outcomes, barriers to PGx testing, discovery, and implementation are impacting its adoption and creating disparities that impact diverse populations. The paper highlights nine consensus recommendations ACS CAN released in June 2023 to promote more equitable PGx discovery and implementation for cancer patients. The recommendations, which address barriers in PGx discovery, policy, and application, were created by a working group of stakeholders including researchers, policymakers, industry representatives, and patient advocates.

    ACS Study Finds People with Incarceration History Less Likely to Receive Health Care

    In the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Health Forum, a new study led by researchers at the American Cancer Society (ACS) shows people with an incarceration history had worse access to and receipt of healthcare. Medicaid is an important source of health insurance for thousands of people who would not otherwise have access to care, including those who have been released from incarceration and are transitioning back to their communities.


    Federal Updates

    OVAC Lobby Day

    Yesterday, about 20 ACS CAN volunteers joined more than 70 attendees for One Voice Against Cancer (OVAC) Lobby Day, representing over 20 OVAC member organizations. Volunteers visited more than 105 offices to advocate for final FY24 funding and introduce our FY25 funding requests. The timing is critical as Congress works toward the March 22nd continuing resolution deadline that will fund NIH, NCI and the CDC.


    Childhood Cancer Action Day

    ACS CAN volunteers recently traveled to Washington, D.C. from across the nation to join more than 200 other cancer patients, survivors and family members from 32 states and the District of Columbia in the nation’s capital for the 14th Annual Alliance for Childhood Cancer Action Days. This two-day event was organized by the Alliance for Childhood Cancer, of which ACS CAN is a member. The volunteers shared their personal stories and urged lawmakers to fund childhood cancer programs and support legislation to improve access to care. Participants asked lawmakers to fully fund the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access and Research (STAR) Act to improve the quality of life of childhood cancer patients, survivors and their families, and to cosponsor the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act which would reduce regulatory burdens to allow greater access to out-of-state providers who can best meet the needs of childhood survivors. Additionally, they urged Congress to continue to make strong investments in the National Institutes for Health and the National Cancer Institute to help advance discoveries in the fight against childhood cancer. See news story from the event.


    ACS CAN issued a letter to the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST) commenting on the utilization of march-in rights (MIR) to lower prescription drug costs. Bolstered by the Bayh-Dole Act, the government-industry research ecosystem has been critical to today’s progress in cancer research. We share the Administration’s mission to lower drug costs, and no discovery that could improve public health should sit on a shelf or be inaccessible to the public. Nonetheless, we remain concerned about the effectiveness of utilizing march-in authority as a tool to effectively lower costs and its potential to jeopardize our nation’s impactful public-private partnership for cancer therapies.


    In the Judiciary 

    Cancer Patients Access to Fertility Treatments  

    A recent decision by the Supreme Court of Alabama on the status of embryos has already caused multiple clinics in the State to pause in vitro fertilization treatments due to fear of criminal and civil liability against providers and patients. Dr. Knudsen issued a statement noting our deep concern about the negative impact this ruling may have on cancer patients, survivors and their families. Read this brief ACS CAN and our partner organizations issued in 2022 for more information on the intersection of cancer and reproductive health. 

    ACS CAN and Partners Defend FDA Authority to Regulate Flavored Cigars 

    ACS CAN and tobacco control partners filed an amicus brief in the federal district court in DC defending the FDA’s authority to regulate flavored cigars. The brief provides background on how the FDA is appropriately interpreting the Tobacco Control Act (TCA) in the Deeming Rule as applied to cigars, data on how manufacturers changed their cigars to add flavors after the TCA prohibited flavored cigarettes, as well as their marketing practices aimed at children. 

    • In late February, the US Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit upheld marketing denial orders (MDOs) issued by the FDA to manufacturers of flavored e-cigarettes for their products. This decision continued a great national trend: seven different circuit courts have now upheld the FDA’s MDOs for flavored e-cigarette products on the merits, while two circuits have struck them down. 

    On Monday the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit heard oral arguments in Braidwood Management v. Becerraa case that threatens access to evidence-based preventive services without cost-sharing as required under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The services at-risk include those recommended by scientific experts at the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).  ACS CAN has led three amicus briefs with 16 public health groups in the case, the most recent brief citing research that shows how cost-sharing decreases patients’ ability to receive care that can prevent disease, identify illness early and reduce the physical and financial burden of severe illnesses. ACS CAN issued a statement prior to oral arguments urging the appeals to uphold the law. 


    State Updates

    Patient Advocates Applaud Governor’s Proposals Alleviating Pennsylvanians’ Medical Debt

    In his 2024-25 Executive Budget, Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro proposed a $4 million investment to wipe out as much as $400 million in Pennsylvanians’ medical debt and maintain funding for the Pennsylvania Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (PA BCCEDP) as well as tobacco prevention and cessation programs. ACS CAN joins our partners in applauding Governor Shapiro’s proposed investment and is eager to support this executive proposal along with all other efforts that seek to reduce the impact of medical debt on patients and their families. Additionally, we continue to work to get a biomarker coverage bill passed in PA that would change the status quo and ensure equitable access to this testing. 

    Indiana Senate Votes to Remove Barriers to Precision Treatments

    The Indiana Senate passed Senate Bill 273, sending the bill to the Governor for signature, which will ensure biomarker testing is covered by more insurance plans in the State. Biomarker testing is a game changer in the fight against cancer and an essential step in accessing precision medicine treatments. This legislation will help address a significant barrier and bring the promise of precision medicine to more Hoosiers, no matter their income or where they live. 

    Budget Takes Michigan in the Right Direction

    Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer introduced her proposed budget, which increases funding for programs addressing tobacco use in the state. Investing in measures to combat tobacco consumption is needed to counteract the $308.4 million per year that tobacco companies are spending to market their deadly and addictive products in Michigan. As lawmakers make their way through the budget, ACS CAN calls on the legislature to keep the additional funding proposed by the Governor.

    Smoke-free Policies Pass in California

    ACS CAN’s Voice Inspiring Valley Action (VIVA) volunteers helped pass a tobacco-free campus policy at West Hill Community College. The second reading for final review and approval will be held on March 12th. The VIVA Team organized a Spanish Spokesperson Training for 20 adult promotoras/community health workers to discuss sharing their public comments and stories with city council in support of comprehensive smoke-free ordinance that includes ensuring smoke-free multi-unit housing in Madera.

    Wisconsin Assembly adjourns After Prioritizing Palliative Care and Nutrition

    ACS CAN has been working on passing palliative care policy in Wisconsin since 2017, which recently passed in the Assembly. As this legislation has never gotten past a hearing before, this is significant progress. A Healthy Food Incentives bill that would double dollars for SNAP purchases of fresh fruits also passed the Assembly, and a full-floor vote on this measure in the Senate is possible between now and mid-March. Finally, the WI team and volunteers successfully defeated a Tobacco Bar bill and Farm Bureau bill, both detrimental to our overall efforts to reduce the cancer burden in the state.

    ACS CAN Testifies in Favor of Legislation Defining Palliative Care in South Dakota

    ACS CAN testified in favor of legislation which created a definition of palliative care in South Dakota’s state statute, thus allowing for the Department of Health and healthcare systems to apply for federal grants for in-home care for cancer patients. The bill passed unanimously in the House Health and Human Services Committee and now moves to the House floor for a vote.

    Wyoming and Montana Team Advocate to Close the Coverage Gap

    The ACS CAN Wyoming and Montana team held Cancer Action Day and legislative meetings on Medicaid with key policymakers in Wyoming. Our film about Wyomingites in the coverage gap debuted at the Wyoming Nurses Association’s legislative reception, with 75 people in attendance. The following day, 25 volunteers and partners attended the largest CAD ever held in the state.


    Advocacy in the News 

    FortunePublic health advocates urge action on menthol, applaud accomplishments like patient navigation as Biden admin celebrates 2nd anniv. of ‘cancer moonshot’

    Flow SpaceCancer Rates Are Rising in People Under 50. Here’s Why & How to Lower Your Risk

    KFFSouthern Lawmakers Rethink Long-Standing Opposition to Medicaid Expansion

    CNNAlabama attorney general’s office says it has ‘no intention’ to prosecute IVF families, providers

    WLFIIndiana lawmakers pass legislation for access to biomarker testing

    APBill would let Atlantic City casinos keep smoking with some more restrictions

    Washington State StandardState lawmakers won’t require insurers to cover tests cancer survivors say are crucial

    Wyoming News NowThis is Wy: Wyomingites stories from the Health Coverage Gap

    PBS News Hour : How Louisiana cancer patients navigate the ‘hidden’ costs of participating in clinical trials


  • State of the Union should emphasize continued bipartisan support for increased investment in cancer research

    ACS CAN calls on Pres. Biden to finalize the FDA’s rule prohibiting the sale of menthol in cigarettes.​

    Ahead of President Biden’s State of the Union Address, set for Thursday, March 7, at 9 p.m. ET, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is calling on the president to emphasize the need for continued bipartisan support for increased federal investment for cancer research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Cancer Institute (NCI) as well as prevention program funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, ACS CAN is urging the president to finalize the Food and Drug Administration’s rule prohibiting the sale of menthol in cigarettes without delay. 

    Significant federal investment in medical research and prevention is essential to achieve the president’s ambitious Cancer Moonshot goal of significantly reducing cancer incidence and deaths in the next 25 years, particularly as cancer incidence rates are expected to reach an all-time high this year.  

    “For decades, cancer research funding has enjoyed strong bipartisan support—and with good reason. Federal cancer research represents American government at its best: saving lives, driving innovation, and fueling economic growth,” said Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society and ACS CAN. “We are making incredible strides against the over 200 diseases that we call cancer. But this progress and future breakthroughs are at risk if we let up on our commitment to pass policies we know are proven to reduce cancer mortality rates and give everyone a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer.” 

    Cancer research is one of the most dynamic areas of medical discovery, yet NCI falls significantly short in meeting demand for research grants. As a result, hundreds of potentially promising research projects go unfunded. NCI needs predictable and robust funding to be able to fully fund the groundbreaking ideas researchers are proposing and provide incentives for ambitious young researchers to continue their lifesaving work here in the United States. 

    If we are to meet the president’s moonshot goal, we must also prioritize cancer prevention. Programs like the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and other cancer screening and prevention programs within CDC are proven, lifesaving programs and need adequate funding. Further, with 30% of all cancer deaths due to smoking, the president must meaningfully address tobacco use. This means finalizing proposed FDA rules to end the sale of menthol in cigarettes and all flavors in cigars.   

    "Flavors like menthol have been proven to make it easier to start and harder to quit using deadly tobacco products,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “The FDA has stated that a comprehensive end to the sale of menthol cigarettes is projected to result in 324,000 to 654,000 fewer smoking-related deaths. ACS CAN stands ready to work with the administration to support implementation of the FDA’s rules and urges President Biden to act without further delay." 

    On behalf of families impacted by cancer, ACS CAN calls on President Biden to affirm his commitment once more to the Cancer Moonshot and to urge Congress to work together to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. 

    The photo above was posted to President Biden's X (formerly Twitter) account.



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