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The new edition of Cancer Atlas released

​Today, the American Cancer Society announced the release of The Cancer Atlas, 4th Edition, a collaborative effort to uncover global cancer patterns and stark inequalities in addressing the burden of the disease. Produced by ACS and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), The Cancer Atlas reports that an estimated 50% of all cancer deaths worldwide are attributed to modifiable risk factors. These findings will be presented at the Cancer Prevention Research Conference 2025, hosted by ACS and Cancer Research United Kingdom (CRUK) in London, from June 25 to 27.  

The Cancer Atlas presents the most up-to-date scientific data and evidence-based consensus across the entire cancer continuum. More than 70 leading experts and scientists from 35 institutions worldwide contributed to the book’s 47 chapters. As with previous editions, the 4th edition of The Cancer Atlas is grouped into three sections: Risk Factors, The Burden, and Taking Action. Additional chapters address timely and emerging essential topics, including Alcohol, Climate Change and Cancer, and Health System Resilience.
 
“This global collaboration to produce the 4th edition of The Cancer Atlas is critical in advancing the American Cancer Society’s vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone,” said Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, ACS senior vice president, surveillance & health equity science and lead editor of the report. “A substantial proportion of cancer in each country can be prevented by implementing resource-stratified cancer prevention and control measures, including health promotion, tobacco control, and vaccination. However, such measures are not implemented optimally in many countries because of a lack of political will.” 

Globally, there are 19 million people diagnosed with cancer and 10 million deaths each year (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). Without intervention, these numbers could rise to over 33 million cases and 18 million deaths by 2050, solely due to the aging and growth of the population. Lung cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, killing about 1.8 million people every year. Still, over 1 billion people worldwide use tobacco products due to the incomplete implementation of proven effective tobacco control measures.
 
“The Cancer Atlas brings attention to some of our most pressing challenges and biggest opportunities to address the global cancer burden,” said Dr. William Dahut, ACS chief scientific officer. “Together, we can leverage this research to lessen cancer’s footprint on our global community by increasing education, prioritizing screening and prevention, and improving care.”  

Additional highlights from the report include: 

  • Many lower-income countries are experiencing a sharp rise in incidence of lung, colorectal, and breast cancers in the wake of increasing prevalence of risk factors associated with economic development (e.g., smoking, unhealthy diet, alcohol use, excess body fatness and physical inactivity, and lower fertility), although infection-related cancers (e.g., cervical cancer) still prevail. 
  • Cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among women in 29 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Less than 10% of women aged 30-49 years, in many of these countries, have ever had screening, compared to over 80% in most Western countries. Coverage of the highly effective HPV vaccine ranges widely from 3% in Central and Southern Asia to 86% in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Cancer death rates are disproportionately higher in many low-income countries due to poorer survival. Over 90% of the population in low- and middle-income countries lack access to safe and timely surgical care; and 23 low-and middle-income countries with populations over 1 million, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, did not have access to radiotherapy.
  • Among young adults, colorectal cancer incidence rates are rising in many high-income countries in contrast to a decrease in older adults due to reduced smoking and screening uptake. The increase may in part reflect the obesity epidemic and consumption of an unhealthy diet. 
  • Universal health coverage (UHC) ensures access to quality health services without financial strain, yet in 2021, around 4.5 billion people (57% of the world population) still lacked full essential coverage. Implementing an essential set of cancer services as part of UHC could save more than 7 million lives by 2030.

The Cancer Atlas is available in print and digital formats. It was designed to ensure user-friendly, accessible, and downloadable descriptions and graphics that can be easily used by cancer-control advocates; government, private, and public health agencies; policymakers; patients and survivors; and the general public.  

Other ACS editors for the 4th edition of The Cancer Atlas are Dr. Hyuna Sung and Kieran Kelly.  

The 2026 Cancer Prevention Research Conference will be held in Atlanta, Georgia. 

  • Teaming up for cancer patients

    ​In partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA), ACS continues to drive impact and bring support to cancer patients and their caregivers through the Hockey Fights Cancer™ initiative and its extension, Hockey Fights Cancer Assist. This powerful collaboration supports ACS patient programs like Hope Lodge and Road to Recovery. One of the most impactful activations of this partnership is the NHL Stanley Cup® Hope Lodge Tour, which brings the iconic trophy to Hope Lodge locations in NHL markets. Throughout the regular season, the tour delivered unforgettable moments of joy, resilience, and community to patients, caregivers, and team members —from Philadelphia to Salt Lake City—by connecting them with hockey legends, mascots, and the magic of the Stanley Cup®. These visits not only celebrate the spirit of the game but also reinforce the mission to bring comfort and hope to those facing cancer. As the Stanley Cup® Final approaches, we look back at tour highlights from the 2024-2025 season:

    Philadelphia, PA (pictured above, top right)

    Philadelphia Flyers alumni Joe and Jim Watson joined guests for dinner, photos, and a community raffle, creating a warm and personal experience. A special visit to Fox Chase Cancer Center allowed patients and team members to share meaningful moments with the Stanley Cup®.

    Boston, MA (pictured above, top left)

    Guests enjoyed a Bruins watch party, a raffle, and photo opportunities all centered around the Stanley Cup®, with members of the local media present. In addition, local high school hockey players from Bridgewater-Raynham served lunch, adding a heartfelt community touch.

    Tampa, FL (pictured above, middle left)

    Unique photo opportunities, the Lightning mascot, ThunderBug, and NHL and NHLPA swag brought laughter and excitement, while cozy gift blankets offered comfort to Hope Lodge guests in Tampa.​​​

    Salt Lake City, UT (pictured above, middle right)

    The Stanley Cup® visit aligned with the Utah Hockey Club’s inaugural season, energizing both hospital and Lodge communities. Visitors had the opportunity to watch the Utah Hockey Club, now known as the Utah Mammoth, take on the Montréal Canadiens and enjoy dinner and games.

    St. Louis, MO (pictured above, bottom row)

    The Stanley Cup® returned to St. Louis in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Worldwide Technology St. Louis Hope Lodge, which included a private evening for Hope Lodge guests at the St. Louis Aquarium, featuring NHL guests and community leaders. In addition, a reception for St. Louis alumni from the AEPi Fraternity at Mizzou helped build momentum for the fraternity’s Rock-A-Thon fundraiser.​​

  • June Advocacy Update

    ​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)​ ​

  • Remembering Harmon Eyre, MD

    ​In a message to volunteer leaders on June 6, Interim CEO Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick shared, 

    I am writing with the news that Harmon J. Eyre, MD, 84, a retired American Cancer Society chief medical officer and former volunteer leader who devoted much of his professional and personal life to our organization, passed away peacefully last weekend, surrounded by family.

    Dr. Eyre served as chief medical officer and executive vice president for research and cancer control science for the American Cancer Society for 15 years, retiring from the organization in 2008. Before joining the ACS team as an executive leader, he volunteered for more than two decades, including serving as the ACS national volunteer president in 1988.
     
    During his tenure, Dr. Eyre guided efforts to enhance and focus ACS' groundbreaking research program, upgrade the organization's advocacy capacity, and concentrate community cancer control efforts where they would be most effective. He was instrumental in developing the organization's efforts to decrease smoking, improve diet, detect cancer at the earliest stage, and provide the critical support cancer patients need.

    He worked closely with former ACS CEO Dr. John Seffrin and the ACS, Inc., Board to establish priorities for the organization in the 90s and early 2000s, which resulted in core programs and the ACS 2015 challenge goals to the nation – essentially the first enterprise-wide ACS strategic plan.

    Dr. Eyre was also instrumental in the formation of the National Dialogue on Cancer, which later became C-Change, bringing together the private, public, and nonprofit sectors to collaborate against cancer.

    He led a transformation of the ACS research team, shifting its focus to better support early-career investigators, strengthen epidemiology and surveillance efforts, and establish the ACS Behavioral Research Center. Dr. Eyre also created what was then the cancer control science department in 2002.

    Dr. Eyre's tenure as CMO followed a successful academic career as a medical oncologist at the University of Utah, where he served as associate chairman of Internal Medicine and deputy director of the Huntsman Cancer Institute. It was in his early days at the University of Utah in 1971 that Dr. Eyre first became involved with ACS, while he oversaw clinical cancer trials and cancer research. He later went on to become the medical representative to the ACS National Board from the former Utah Division, eventually becoming the ACS national volunteer president in 1988.

    When he retired, Dr. Seffrin noted Dr. Eyre was:" An extraordinary clinician and visionary leader who has the rare gift of being able to apply his clinical vision to everyday practice in cancer control and research."

    Dr. Eyre was known for his legacy of service to others. In his own retirement remarks to the organization, he noted, “As a medical doctor, I had the opportunity to serve hundreds of patients. As an educator, I extended my reach to help make a difference for potentially thousands more. But it is through my work with the American Cancer Society that I have made the most significant and rewarding difference imaginable. The Society's work affects people in every community in this country – and now around the world. And I have been privileged to be a part of that."

    We at ACS were fortunate to have such a leader.

    I know you will join me in keeping Dr. Eyre's family in your thoughts during this time. 

  • ACS releases new Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Statistics

    According to a new ACS report, Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Statistics, 2025, the number of people living with a history of cancer in the United States is estimated at 18.6 million as of January 1, 2025, and projected to exceed 22 million by 2035. The study also found notable disparities in treatment for many common cancers, including lung and colorectal. The findings are published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, alongside its consumer-friendly companion, Fast Facts: Cancer Treatment and Survivorship.

    “Behind every survivor of cancer, there is a story of resilience, but also of unmet needs,” said Dr. Nikita Sandeep Wagle, principal scientist, cancer surveillance research and lead author of the report. “Many survivors cope with critical issues, such as long-term effects of treatment, financial hardship, and fear of recurrence. It’s vital we recognize and respond to these needs in an equitable manner.”

    For the study, ACS and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) collaborated to estimate cancer prevalence in the US using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registries, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, and the US Census Bureau. In addition, cancer treatment patterns were presented from the National Cancer Database along with a brief overview of treatment‐related side effects.

    Highlights of the study include:

    • The three most prevalent cancers are prostate (3,552,460), melanoma of the skin (816,580), and colorectal (729,550) among males and breast (4,305,570), uterine corpus (945,540), and thyroid (859,890) among females.
    • About one half (51%) of survivors were diagnosed within the past 10 years, and nearly four out of five (79%) survivors were aged 60 years and older.
    • The number of survivors varies by state, from almost two million in California to about 32,000 in Wyoming and 29,000 in the District of Columbia, largely reflecting population size.
    • The number of female breast cancer survivors is projected to reach 5.3 million by January 1, 2035 – an increase of one million women from 2025, marking the largest projected growth among the top 10 most prevalent cancers.
    • Uninsured people diagnosed with stage I colorectal cancer have lower five-year survival rates than privately insured people with stage II disease.
    • Racial differences in treatment in 2021 were common across disease stage. Black people with stage I‐II lung cancer were less likely to undergo surgery than their White counterparts (47% vs. 52%).
    • Larger disparities exist for rectal cancer, with 39% of Black people with stage I disease undergoing surgery compared to 64% of their White counterparts.

    “Efforts to expand access to high‐quality care regardless of your skin color or bank balance are vital to reducing disparities and advancing equity for everyone affected by cancer, which is ultimately all of us,” said Rebecca Siegel, senior author of the study. “We need to do more to level the playing field and end barriers to quality care both during and after treatment.”

    “These findings demonstrate that early detection and improved treatment are making a real difference in the fight against cancer,” said Lisa A. Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “There continues to be an urgent need to protect and expand access to care, especially at a time when proposed cuts to Medicaid and prevention and screening programs threaten to reverse our progress and undo the gains we have achieved. We cannot afford to turn back the clock now. ACS CAN will continue to work with lawmakers to stress that cuts have consequences and will only slow our work to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.” 

    Other ACS researchers contributing to the study include Dr. Leticia Nogueira, Dr. Robin Yabroff, Dr. Farhad Islami, Dr. Rick Alteri, and Dr. Ahmedin Jemal.

  • ACS participates in ASCO annual meeting

    The annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) begins Friday, May 30, in Chicago, IL, running until Tuesday, June 3. With more than 45,000 oncology professionals from around the world attending, the meeting is one of the largest and most diverse audiences in global oncology. The American Cancer Society will have a strong presence at the meeting, with an exhibit booth, leaders in attendance, and ACS experts presenting important research.

    New approaches and combinations of immunotherapies, alongside cutting-edge targeted therapies for rare and advanced cancers, will be highlighted at this year’s meeting. Featured studies will also explore how lifestyle changes can help reduce cancer risk and improve survival and will spotlight the exciting potential of AI and other technologies to revolutionize patient care.

    The theme for the 2025 annual meeting is, Driving Knowledge to Action: Building a Better Future. This year, team members from Discovery, Patient Support, ACS CAN, Development, Marketing, and Communications will be attending and managing key aspects of ACS involvement at ASCO.

    Discovery

    This year's ASCO annual meeting will feature more than 6,000 abstracts and 200 sessions. ACS team​​​ members will give more than 30 poster presentations, oral abstracts, and other presentations. In addition, more than 100 posters and 26 presentations will be given by ACS grantees. Almost 50 ACS research professors will be presenting during the event as well. 

    Below are just a few of the ACS submissions shared before the conference. Watch the ACS newsroom for more details of the research presented by our team members during the conference. 

    Association of Medicaid expansion with five-year survival after cancer diagnosis
    Presenter: Elizabeth Schafer

    In this study, Medicaid expansion was associated with greater increases in 5-year observed and cause-specific survival for non-Hispanic Black individuals, individuals living in the most deprived areas, and rural communities. These findings reinforce the importance of Medicaid expansion in reducing disparities in cancer survival outcomes.

    Association of court-documented major adverse financial events before cancer diagnosis and mortality risk in the U.S.
    Presenter: Robin Yabroff

    In this study, court-documented major adverse financial events (AFEs) of pre-diagnosis bankruptcy, lien, or eviction are associated with increased risk of all-cause and cancer-specific mortality for multiple cancer types. The findings underscore lasting adverse consequences of patient financial vulnerability prior to incurring high out-of-pocket costs of cancer treatment. The research is especially timely, with growing efforts by health care providers to screen and address patient health-related social needs as part of comprehensive oncology care.

    Spillover effects of Medicaid expansion on insurance coverage, diagnosis, and survival among low-income elderly patients with cancer
    Presenter: Kewei Sylvia Shi
    Conquer Cancer Merit Award

    In this study, Medicaid expansion was associated with an increase in Medicaid coverage, early-stage cancer diagnoses, and improved two-year survival among patients diagnosed with cancer 65 years or older. The findings underscore the spillover benefits of Medicaid expansion in supporting low-income elderly populations and the importance of indirect benefits when evaluating Medicaid expansion's broader impact.

    Association of county-level medical debt and timely treatment initiation among individuals newly diagnosed with cancer
    Presenter: Jingxuan Zhao

    In this study, county-level medical debt in collections was associated with delays in treatment initiation among individuals newly diagnosed with cancer. Policies aimed at preventing and alleviating medical debt could be effective strategies for improving access to timely cancer treatment.

    Medicare plan switching, hospice enrollment, and place of hospice services at the end-of-life among decedent patients diagnosed with distant stage cancers in 2010-2019
    Presenter: Xin Hu

    In this study, continuous Medicare Advantage (MA) coverage was associated with a greater likelihood of hospice utilization, particularly at home. In contrast, switching from MA to Traditional Medicare and gaining dual eligibility were associated with greater reliance on nursing homes for hospice care. Future research examining patient-centered outcomes across plan-switching patterns and addressing care coordination gaps to ensure equitable hospice care is warranted.

    ACS Exhibit Booth

    Cross-pillar representation will be at our booth at ASCO where we will be talking to health professionals about ACS and our high-value resources that support their career growth and further cancer research. Resources include: 

    • American Cancer Society and ASCO cancer.org content

    • Curated cross-pillar professional educational offerings (ACS LION, CAPC)

    • Curated cross-pillar patient support (ACS CancerRisk360, ACS CARES) & research resources 

    • Open access to trusted, evidence-based resources:

      • Cancer Facts & Figures, Cancer Atlas

      • ACS Journals

  • ACS CAN urges senators to reject cuts and protect Medicaid

    On May 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a reconciliation bill that cuts Medicaid funding by an estimated $715 billion – representing the largest-ever cut to Medicaid. If the Senate approves the legislation as currently drafted and it is implemented, these cuts, coupled with other proposed provisions impacting health insurance sold in the marketplace, could result in at least 8.6 million individuals losing their coverage.  

    Tens of thousands of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) volunteers have contacted their members of Congress with one message: Denying millions of people access to affordable, quality health care, which is crucial for the prevention, detection, treatment and survival of cancer, will have devastating consequences. 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.   

    ACS CAN’s team and volunteers will continue advocacy to lawmakers, expressing disappointment to members who supported this bill and explaining why Medicaid coverage is so important in the fight against cancer. Historically, ACS CAN has fought hard to make major strides in increasing access to care since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) passed 15 years ago. The fight is far from over.  

    ACS CAN is immediately pivoting to urge senators to reject these harmful cuts and prioritize the health and well-being of their constituents by executing the following campaign tactics.  

    • Encouraging social media engagement to amplify ACS CAN’s national and state channels to help volunteers get the word out and put pressure on U.S. senators.  
    • Preparing volunteers for in person advocacy during Memorial Day recess.  
    • Analyzing the hard work shown over this past month and reevaluating tactics, messaging, and impact on key targets. ​

    Keep up with ACS CAN’s advocacy work by regularly checking fightcancer.org. You, too, can get involved in our advocacy work in your personal capacity and take action.   

  • OWN TV star supports VOICES of Black Women study recruitment

    OWN and its health initiative campaign, OWN Your Health, have posted their VOICES of Black Women public service announcement (PSA) as part of their strategic partnership with ACS.

    In March, OWN launched a dedicated web page, OWN.tv/Voices, and announced plans for a campaign of tactics to support VOICES study recruitment. The campaign includes a PSA with Love & Marriage Huntsville talent Kimmi Grant-Scott, a breast cancer survivor and VOICES Ambassador. The PSA will be broadcast on air during the following times:

    • During prime premieres Friday and Saturday nights, the :30-second spot is being added to the schedule.
    • During days where promotional availability exists, the :60-second spot is being added.​

    Team members and volunteers are encouraged to like and share the posts featuring the PSA on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

  • ACS CAN survey: Cancer patients are behind on screenings due to cost barriers

    The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) latest Survivor Views survey found that 31% of adults have been more than one year behind on cancer screenings. 53% of those respondents cited out-of-pocket costs as a barrier to getting screened, while another 47% shared that getting insurance approvals for covered screenings was of concern. Read the full polling memo at fightcancer.org. 

    “Out-of-pocket costs can significantly hinder individuals from accessing essential cancer screening leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “To ensure equitable health care, it is crucial for policymakers to increase access to no-cost or low-cost cancer screening programs, through expanded insurance coverage, community outreach, and public health initiatives.”

    The data was discussed among policy experts as part of ACS CAN’s National Policy Forum held in Washington, D.C., earlier this week. Panelists discussed the importance of identifying payment and cost barriers and eliminating roadblocks to improve patient access and encourage more investment in new screening and early detection modalities and interventions.

    “The president’s recent budget proposal eliminates the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control housed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has been instrumental in cancer prevention and detection, providing over 16.3 million screening exams to more than 6.3 million eligible people through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program,” added Lacasse. “That’s why it is critical for Congress to use the power of the purse to safeguard our national investments in prevention and early detection.”

    The data was collected online April 25 - 28, 2025, among 1,000 adults age 45+ nationwide, with demographic and regional distribution proportionate to the population. Differences reported between groups are tested for statistical significance at a 95% confidence interval.
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