​A message from ACS CAN President Lisa Lacasse

This past month reaffirmed ACS CAN's unique ability to unite and amplify the patient voice to elevate critical issues in the fight against cancer. Despite looming legislative challenges to our cancer mission and disappointing votes, our collective voice is powerful and unwavering. We are committed to ensuring every federal elected official understands the critical importance of protecting access to affordable, quality health care and securing future cancer cures through robust federally funded research to reduce the cancer burden nationwide. There are many more milestones in this effort over the coming months, and at each junction, ACS CAN will continue to elevate our cancer lens. The fight is far from over.​

On Friday, the president released his final proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 which would slash the National Cancer Institute (NCI) budget by $2.7 billion, or approximately 37.2%, from the current fiscal year to $4.531 billion, unacceptably reverting to funding levels not seen since the 1990s when accounting for biomedical inflation. ​

Our global leadership in cancer research, and significant progress in cancer outcomes, are propelled by our nation’s commitment to funding the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and NCI. We are proud to see our message breaking through with ACS CAN’s statement calling on the president to reverse course being amplified in the New York Times, CNN and several other media outlets which highlights the impact on our cancer mission.

On May 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that includes a $715 billion cut to Medicaid, along with reductions to other health coverage. These cuts could potentially put nearly 11 million people, including cancer patients, at risk of losing access to lifesaving care, according to projections released today by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO). This legislation threatens to unravel critical protections and widen existing health disparities. If approved by the Senate and signed by the president, this bill would carry out the largest cut to Medicaid in the history of the program by:

• Requiring all states to implement work requirements as a condition of enrollment in or continued eligibility for Medicaid coverage. Work requirements have proven to be a failed policy intervention in states. They have led to people losing their health care insurance coverage not because of ineligibility, but rather due to the inability to comply with the processes established to prove compliance with the requirement. Read more on why these efforts have increased the uninsured rate. 
• Charging cost sharing to Medicaid enrollees living just barely over the poverty line — which will force working families to choose between health care and other bills.  
• Requiring all states to reassess eligibility for individuals enrolled through Medicaid expansion every six months — adding administrative burdens that may result in people losing coverage and experiencing more fluctuations in and out of the system. 
• Reducing the look-back period for retroactive eligibility from 3 months to 1 month – leading to more medical debt and hospital closures. 
• Making many other changes that cut federal funding to this program, forcing states to address this unfunded mandate through their own state funds, likely leading to reducing eligibility and/or cutting services from this health insurance coverage. 

This bill will not only impact Medicaid but will also require several changes to insurance marketplace coverage, creating unnecessary barriers to enrollees. ACS CAN remains steadfast in our advocacy, urging the Senate to reject harmful provisions that could compromise access to health coverage through Medicaid and the marketplace​

Tens of thousands of volunteers across the country have already mobilized to call on Congress to reject the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." Through social media, patient stories, and the launch of our Cuts Have Consequences ad campaign, we continue to deliver a clear and urgent message: cutting access to critical health care will hurt cancer patients. Through the House vote, ACS CAN volunteers and cancer advocates contacted members of Congress more than 104,000 times and delivered more than 31,000 petition signatures this year urging Congress to protect Medicaid while our ads garnered more than 58 million impressions. I’m proud that our nationwide advocacy impacted an extremely close vote (215 – 214) and avoided the inclusion of per capita caps and sweeping cuts to the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage, which directly impacts how much funding states receive through Medicaid. ​

Our volunteers didn’t just share statistics of what's at stake; they shared their personal stories. I’m especially grateful to ACS CAN storytellers like Melannie Bachman, featured in national ads, who bravely shared her story with NBC News. Medicaid saved Melannie’s life, and her story brings to light the devastating reality that others could face if they don't have this access. Through stories, our advocates ensure cancer patients and survivors are at the center of this discussion.

ACS CAN and our dedicated cancer patient advocates will continue to sound the alarm through every available channel, urging Congress to reject this bill along with the proposed cuts to cancer research. This summer, we will stay engaged and keep pushing forward—because lives depend on it.​

We truly appreciate your support and ask that you continue to elevate the impact on our cancer mission within your extended networks. 

Highlights

Pride Month Celebrations​

​This past weekend, ACS CAN partnered with Genentech and the National LGBTQI+ Cancer Network to sponsor the "Out at ASCO" reception in Chicago, coinciding with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting. Executing this event for a second year, we are proud to help ensure this becomes an annual event each year.

ACS CAN volunteer David Russo, executive director of Cheeky Charity and leader in ACS CAN’s LGBTQIA+ & Allies Affinity Group, spoke passionately about his “why,” the critical importance of allyship and celebrating pride. I, along with Pam Traxel, SVP of alliance development and philanthropy, and the American Cancer Society Executive Team were in attendance. We all play a critical role in elevating and supporting communities that experience a higher burden of cancer.

We're celebrating Pride this month — and every month — by participating in 60+ events nationwide. Pride month is an opportunity to recognize the contributions, resilience, and rich cultural history of LGBTQIA+ individuals, while also acknowledging the continued work needed to eliminate discrimination against this community. LGBTQ+ individuals face a disproportionate cancer burden—including cancer risk factors, screening disparities, and obstacles to prevention, detection, treatment and survivorship care. ACS CAN works to increase equitable access to quality, affordable care, eliminate cancer disparities and break down barriers to proven cancer prevention and early detection in LGBTQIA+ communities. Learn more about how you can join and lend your voice to ACS CAN’s LGBTQIA+ & Allies Engagement Group.

This month, ACS CAN and ACS join the nation in celebrating Juneteenth, June 19. This day marks a pivotal moment in U.S. history — the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Recognized as the longest-running African American holiday and now a federal holiday, Juneteenth is both a celebration of freedom and a time to honor Black history, culture and contributions while reflecting on the continued fight for equity and justice. This moment gives us the opportunity to elevate critical policy interventions that can reduce cancer disparities for Black and African Americans nationwide. Learn more here. ​

We are celebrating National Cancer Survivors Month, a time to honor those who have faced a cancer diagnosis and are living beyond it. First recognized in 1987 with the founding of National Cancer Survivors Day, this month honors the strength, resilience and journeys of millions of cancer survivors. It also serves as a reminder of the unique challenges survivors face after treatment, including access to ongoing care, managing long-term health effects and improving quality of life.

Last month, ACS CAN hosted our Annual National Forum on the Future of Health Care — an important convening that continues to drive progress in cancer prevention, early detection and equitable access to care. The forum brought together national leaders, advocates, researchers, and policymakers to address one of the most urgent challenges we face: breaking down barriers to both access and innovation in cancer screening and early detection. We explored exciting advancements in cancer screening and early detection, examined persistent structural inequities delaying diagnosis, and discussed actionable policy solutions to ensure that everyone regardless of income, race, or zip code can access lifesaving screenings.​

I was especially moved by the stories shared by ACS CAN’s volunteers and survivors whose lived experiences remind us why this work is so critical. The forum reaffirmed that when we come together across sectors and keep patients at the center, we don’t just shape policy; we save lives. Thank you to everyone who made the event a success and to those who continue this important work every day to make health equity a reality. Watch the replay.

Federal Updates

As mentioned, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" with a 215–214 vote on May 22. This comprehensive federal legislation encompasses significant tax reforms, spending adjustments, and policy changes. Key provisions include extending the 2017 tax cuts, introducing new tax breaks (such as exemptions for tips and overtime pay), imposing stricter work requirements for Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and allocating substantial funds for defense and border security. The bill also proposes raising the debt ceiling by $4 trillion to avert a potential default.

In addition to advocacy on the tax bill, ACS CAN continues to advance its mission through strong bipartisan advocacy and strategic partnerships on Capitol Hill. Recent legislative developments reflect growing momentum behind efforts to expand cancer prevention, early detection, and equitable access to clinical trials. Below are key federal updates highlighting the introduction of critical bills and ACS CAN’s leadership in shaping policies that improve outcomes for cancer patients and survivors nationwide.

Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced the bipartisan Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services (SCREENS) for Cancer Act (S. 1866). Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) joined as original cosponsors. This legislation would reauthorize the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. For more than 30 years, the NBCCEDP has effectively provided critical breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnostic tests and treatment to underserved, limited income, underinsured and uninsured communities nationwide.

Senators Baldwin and Collins issued a joint press release that included a quote from ACS CAN. We also released a statement and shared the announcement across social media including X, Bluesky, Threads, and LinkedIn. In addition, ACS CAN joined Susan G. Komen and other organizations in submitting a letter of support to congressional leaders in both chambers.​

Representatives Raul Ruiz (D-CA) and August Pfluger (R-TX) reintroduced the Clinical Trial Modernization Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at reducing financial and geographic barriers that prevent many patients — especially those from underserved communities — from participating in clinical trials. The bill would authorize sponsors to cover non-medical costs such as travel, lodging, and food, as well as medical expenses like copays, and provide the technology necessary for remote participation. These provisions are designed to make clinical trials more accessible to older adults, rural residents, and individuals from racial and ethnic groups that have historically been underrepresented in research. Survey data shows that nearly 80% of cancer patients and survivors would be more likely to enroll in trials if such support were available, underscoring the potential of this legislation to significantly expand equitable access to lifesaving treatments. Read our factsheet.

ACS CAN issued a press release and promoted the legislation across our social media channels, including X, Bluesky, Threads, Facebook, and LinkedIn. ACS CAN is also building coalition support by circulating a letter of endorsement to patient advocacy, public health and provider organizations along with a dear colleague letter for congressional distribution to help garner additional cosponsors.​

ACS CAN participated in The Hill Talks: A Focus on Clinical Trials event, which explored steps Congress can take to improve clinical trial access. The discussion covered the financial landscape of trials, key participation barriers, and the broader implications for drug development. Speakers included Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN, Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), co-lead of the Harley Jacobsen Clinical Trial Participation Act; Dr. Larry Bucshon, former Congressman and Senior Policy Advisor at Holland & Knight; and Dr. Gary Puckrein, president and CEO of the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF).​​

Over the past month, the ACS CAN Federal Team participated in two panel discussions emphasizing the importance of health equity. The first, held during the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies’ Legislative Leadership Summit, focused on “Expanding Access and Affordability of Healthcare for Communities.” The second took place at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s Health Summit and centered on “Tackling Chronic Diseases: Prevention, Treatment, and Policy Solutions.”

Judicial Updates:

ACS CAN is anticipating two major rulings out of the U.S. Supreme Court in cases in which our organization led amicus briefs. The first will affect the rights of Medicaid beneficiaries to choose their medical providers in Medina v. Planned Parenthood. The second could impact access to cost-free cancer screening and prevention for 150+ million people in Braidwood Management v. Kennedy. Both cases could have a significant negative impact on equitable access to care. Stay tuned as we will communicate as soon as these rulings are issued!  

In another important court case filing which impacts financial toxicity, credit agencies filed a case in the Texas district court challenging a rule issued by the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) last January. This rule bans the inclusion of medical bills on credit reports used by lenders and prohibits lenders from using medical information in their lending decisions. The rule also provides that a consumer reporting agency may not furnish a creditor with a consumer report containing information on medical debt that the creditor is prohibited from using. This change removes an estimated $49 billion in medical bills from the credit reports of about 15 million people, increases privacy protections and prevents debt collectors from using the credit reporting system to coerce people to pay bills. ACS CAN strongly supported the rule that benefits cancer patients and their families who have significant health care costs.

The cases, Cornerstone Credit Union League v. CAPB and ACA International v. CAPB both allege that the agency has exceeded its authority in violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The agency has now stopped defending the rule in the courts, but the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) and some partners were granted intervenor status to defend the rule. ACS CAN joined an amicus brief in the Cornerstone case that is scheduled for a hearing on June 7 and plans to file a similar brief in ACA International in the future.​

​Policy Update:

ACS CAN submitted comments in a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce on the Section 232 National Security Investigation of Imports of Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Ingredients. In the letter, ACS CAN outlines concerns with instituting tariffs on pharmaceutical imports, especially for older generic sterile injectable (GSI) drugs which have been impacted by drug shortages for more than a decade. GSI drugs play a key role in cancer treatments, both as stand-alone treatments and in combination with newer drugs. Analyses have pointed to an unfavorable economic model for the production of GSIs as a key driver of past shortages, and tariffs are likely to worsen these long-standing issues. ACS CAN urges the administration to avoid tariffs that are likely to endanger fragile supply chains and make drug shortages worse.​

State Updates:

The Connecticut Senate voted to increase biomarker testing coverage to all state-regulated insurance plans, private state regulated and state government employee plans. This new action expands coverage already passed earlier requiring insurance coverage through the state Medicaid program. Biomarker testing insurance coverage is supported by medical and scientific evidence. The bill is on the governor's desk for signature.

Virginia recently passed a medical debt protection bill helping to address the challenge many cancer patients have the cost of a cancer diagnosis. Advocacy activities, including public outreach, were credited with helping secure passage and the governor’s signature.

In Maryland copay accumulator legislation was signed into law, improving affordability for patients managing chronic conditions, including cancer.

In Alaska the legislature passed an omnibus insurance bill that included updates to breast and colorectal cancer screenings. These updates remove cost-sharing requirements and align screenings with American Cancer Society guidelines, including future updates for Alaska Native populations.

ACS CAN was disappointed by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt’s veto of a bill which aimed at expanding access to supplemental breast cancer screening tests by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for women with elevated risk factors, including those who may need additional screening despite no abnormal findings. However, our volunteers mobilized and ACS CAN ultimately helped secure coverage for these exams with a veto override! The team also defeated a bad tobacco bill and convinced the governor not to veto a genetic testing bill.

In Texas, the ACS CAN team helped to secure $638 million over 2 years for research as well as prevention, while also defeating a spate of bad tobacco bills. 

In Illinois, lawmakers passed a $55.2 billion state budget, which includes an increase in new taxes on tobacco products such as vapes and e-cigarettes. This will create an increase in the tax on tobacco products to 45% from 36% of the wholesale price and allocates $5 million of the taxes collected directly to tobacco prevention.​

Advocacy In the News

Protect Medicaid:

• Axios: How the GOP Megabill may roll back the Affordable Care Act 
• Joplin Globe: Your view: Elected officials should support Medicaid  
• WBTV: Charlotte cancer survivor pleads lawmakers stop $715 billion Medicaid cut 
• Alaska Public Media: Closing the Gap with the American Cancer Society  
• KUER: Advocates balk at Utah’s plan to reinstate a work requirement for Medicaid 
• CBS News: Philadelphia protesters urge Sen. McCormick to vote against Medicaid cutting legislation 

Protect Research:

• NYT: Trump’s Budget Cuts Funding for Chronic Disease Prevention 
• USA Today: Recap: RFK Grilled over vaccines, lead, job cuts, as protestors tackled at HHS hearing 
• Reuters: Public health and civil rights organizations ask RFK Jr. to reconsider health agency layoffs 
• The Journal: Cancer Research  

Other

• ​WDTV: Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with 'aggressive' prostate cancer. (Spanish)​ ​