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August Advocacy Update

A message from ACS CAN President Lisa Lacasse

On July 30, we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Medicare and Medicaid Act, landmark legislation that has helped ensure millions of seniors and individuals with limited incomes can access critical, quality, affordable health care, including cancer screenings.

Medicare and Medicaid have made it possible for families across the country to see a doctor regularly, purchase prescription medications, go to the hospital and receive preventive care, reducing the cancer burden nationwide for decades.

As we applaud the impact of these programs in the fight against cancer, we can't help but reflect on the devastating rollback to Medicaid and marketplace coverage in early July, marked by Congress passing the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill. As we continue to break down the implications of the bill, we remain certain it will impact the lives of millions, including cancer patients, for years to come. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the number of people with health insurance will decrease by 10 million by 2034 due to significant cuts to Medicaid and changes to the Marketplace and other coverage. This estimate does not include the additional 4.2 million who will be priced out of buying their health insurance plans on the Marketplace if the health care tax credits aren't extended.

States are beginning to prepare for complex implementation challenges, including work requirements and six-month eligibility checks in Medicaid. Many states may need special sessions to fund the administrative infrastructure required. We're closely monitoring how states are responding and continuing to advocate for Medicaid expansion in non-expansion states, where the coverage gap is expected to grow even more quickly. Read more in our policy brief.

This means patient voices couldn't be more critical during this time in our advocacy. We continue to encourage patients, survivors and their families to share their personal stories of impact, which are powerful tools to help us demonstrate the real-world implications of policy changes. Share this link with your networks and encourage others to share their all-important stories.

In our Campaign to Protect Cancer Cures, we're proud to see the patient voice lifted through our advocacy, making a tangible impact in influencing lawmakers to take leadership in protecting the nation's critical cancer research infrastructure.

Last week, we were pleased to see a bipartisan commitment to investment in cancer research. The U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations considered and approved its FY26 appropriations bill, which includes increases for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and federal cancer research funding at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The bill also includes an increase for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Division of Cancer Prevention and Control. Read more on the exact numbers in the next section below.

In a further display of bipartisan support for NIH, Alabama Senator Katie Britt and 13 other Republican senators wrote a letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) advocating for full release of NIH FY25 appropriated funds. This action came after a recent White House pause on $16 billion in NIH research and training funds caused a bipartisan outcry and media attention. Although the funds were reinstated hours later, communication delays left NIH staff in limbo. ACS CAN thanked these senators on social media for their immediate action.

As Congress is in August recess, ACS CAN volunteers nationwide are engaging with lawmakers while they are home in their districts. Advocates across the country are attending town halls, collecting petitions at community events, launching billboards and amplifying advocacy through social media.

Thank you for your endless commitment and engagement in our work to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
Lisa

Federal Updates FY26 Appropriations: Boosts for Research & Prevention

The Senate Appropriations Committee has advanced both the FY26 Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services (LHHS) bills, securing vital funding increases for public health and medical research with strong bipartisan support. The LHHS bill, approved 26–3, includes key investments in medical research and public health, particularly in cancer research and prevention.

Key highlights include funding NIH at $48.7 billion — an increase of $400 million over FY25 levels. The bill includes language preventing the administration from reducing the number of NIH grants in FY26, helping ensure continued support for scientific research.

The NCI is funded at $7.374 billion, marking a $150 million increase over FY25. This includes $28 million dedicated to the Childhood Cancer STAR Act, supporting survivorship, treatment, access, and research for pediatric cancer. The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) maintains steady funding at $1.5 billion, equal to the FY25 levels. The CDC Division of Cancer Prevention and Control (DCPC) is funded at $410 million, maintaining the same level as FY25 funding. It is important to note that report language in the bill prevents the administration from reducing the total number of NIH grants through front-loading in FY26. Read our press release.

The Committee's report also requires the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to provide two days' advance notice for major developments and public meetings, including the disbandment of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). This provision follows growing bipartisan concern over media reporting that DHHS Secretary Kennedy may remove and replace all USPSTF members, which is greatly concerning. See our letters to Secretary Kennedy and key leadership and committee members on this issue here.

The FY26 Senate Defense Appropriations bill passed also with a strong, bipartisan vote of 23–3. Among other things, within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research (CDMRP) Program, the bill fully funds the Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program at $370 million and the Peer-Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) at $130 million. The overall total for CDMRP in the Senate is $985 million ($270 million above the House total).

New Report Highlights Risks of NIH Cuts

A new report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) finds that proposed cuts to the NIH could reduce the number of new drugs that reach the market over the next three decades. Read our full release.

CDC Director Confirmed by Senate

The U.S. Senate has officially confirmed Susan Monarez, PhD, as the next Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. During her confirmation hearing, Dr. Monarez voiced strong support for cancer screening programs and immunization efforts. Read our statement.

Judicial Update

Amicus Brief Opposing Marketplace Integrity Rule That Would Result in Millions Losing Insurance Coverage: ACS CAN joined an amicus brief filed in late July supporting the lawsuit by 21 states to invalidate the Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Rule finalized in June by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that will result in millions of people losing health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The rule makes several technical changes that, according to CMS' estimate, could result in up to 1.8 million individuals losing health insurance coverage. The rule takes effect August 25, though some provisions will be implemented for plan year 2025 and later.

On July 17, 21 states led by California filed a lawsuit in Massachusetts seeking to invalidate the rule in California et al. v. Kennedy. In the complaint, the attorneys general (AGs) argue that the rule is arbitrary and capricious, contrary to law, and violates the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). The coalition is seeking a preliminary injunction and a stay to prevent the challenged portions of the final rule from taking effect in the Plaintiff States before the August 25 effective date, and to vacate the rule.

The amicus brief filed by ACS CAN, ACS and partners, as well as individual patients who would lose coverage under the new rule, provided the court with background on the ACA, scientific studies demonstrating that comprehensive and affordable health insurance saves lives, and examples of real people adversely affected by the rule.

State Updates

Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 703 into law, allowing California taxpayers to voluntarily donate a portion of their state tax return to support childhood cancer research starting January 2026. The bill was introduced by Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-San Jose) and co-sponsored by ACS CAN and the Neev Kolte & Brave Ronil Foundation.

The Delaware General Assembly passed and Governor Meyer signed Senate Bill 156 with strong bipartisan support, advancing the effort to reform medical debt collection practices in the state. Senate Bill 156 prohibits the reporting of medical debt to consumer reporting agencies. Fourteen states, including New Jersey, have passed similar legislation.

ACS CAN Volunteer Social Spotlight: Kim Adair

We are thrilled to highlight Kim Adair, Legislative Ambassador with ACS CAN Arizona and a colorectal cancer survivor. Kim began volunteering in memory of a friend who introduced her to ACS CAN and later passed away from cancer.

Recently, Kim and her team met with their congressman to advocate for Medicaid protections, presenting petition signatures from across Arizona. "We felt truly heard—and hopeful that our voices could help protect critical health care access," Kim shared.

"Our voices matter! It's not only our right—but our responsibility—to speak up about health care. Advocacy allows us to stand together and demand the care and support that every patient deserves. The fight isn't over, and I'll continue raising my voice until it is."

You're Invited!

Our volunteer affinity group, Indigenous Volunteer Voices, is hosting two virtual screenings of "Real Lives: Cancer Stories from Indigenous People," an American Cancer Society documentary series that amplifies the voices of American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities affected by cancer. The screenings will be followed by virtual panels featuring the film's storytellers. Please invite and share with your networks!

Special screening for Alaska, Hawaii & Guam: Wednesday, August 20, 5:30 pm HST / 7:30 pm AKST / August 21 1:30 pm CST
Register Here

Second screening: Tuesday, August 26 at 4:30 pm PT / 7:30 pm ET
Register Here

Advocacy In the News

KFF Health News: Trump Voters Wanted Relief From Medical Bills. For Millions, the Bills Are About To Get Bigger.

News From The States: Trump's big proposed cuts to health & education spending rebuffed by US Senate panel

Think Global Health: Cancer Patients and the Medicaid Cuts in "One Big, Beautiful Bill"

Bucks County Herald: Not so beautiful

Alaska Beacon: Alaska becomes a focus of last-minute changes to big federal bill, as US Senate starts debate

KTNV Las Vegas: 'Big Beautiful Bill' - Nevada Medicaid

KOAA Southern Colorado: How many people in Colorado on Medicaid could be impacted by latest budget bill

Bakersfield Now: Budget bill sparks debate over healthcare impact in California communities

WBKO Bowling Green: Bowling Green teen advocates for cancer research

NPR Kansas City: Overland Park teen uses AI to research cancer, but Trump's budget cuts could halt his work

Marshall County Post: Indiana moves toward a healthier future with cigarette tax increase taking effect


  • Survival disparities increase for patients without health insurance following FDA approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced cancer, data shows

    ​In a new study released on July 7, ACS researchers found that the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) following FDA approval was associated with a widening survival disparity between people without health insurance and those with private insurance, newly diagnosed with advanced stage melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), or renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer). ICIs are a type of advanced immunotherapy and work by helping the immune system better find and attack cancer cells in the body. While offering promising outcomes for many patients, ICIs are also among the highest-cost cancer drugs. The study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open.

    “These findings are concerning, especially as ICIs are being used more frequently in treating people with both early and late-stage cancers,” said Dr. Jingxuan Zhao, senior scientist, health services research at ACS, and lead author of the study. “ICIs can be lifesaving; however, cancer patients without health insurance coverage may be unable to afford them due to their high costs.”

    “Health policies expanding access to insurance coverage options and making new treatments more affordable are needed. Expanding Medicaid to individuals without health insurance coverage may improve their access to effective cancer treatments that are also costly, such as ICIs,” Dr. Zhao added.

    “Having comprehensive, affordable health insurance is a major determining factor in surviving cancer, especially as promising new – but also costly – treatments, like ICIs, become available. That’s why ACS CAN has long advocated for increased access to quality, affordable health coverage – made increasingly urgent with recent Congressional action that significantly cuts Medicaid funding and makes affordable health insurance coverage unattainable for millions nationwide,” said Lisa A. Lacasse, president of ACS’s advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN.

    ACS researcher Dr. Robin Yabroff contributed to this study.

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  • Research finds racially and economically segregated communities increase advanced-stage breast and cervical diagnoses

    ​In a new study released on July 23, ACS scientists found that people living in racially and economically segregated neighborhoods in New York City (NYC) were more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage breast and cervical cancer. Colorectal cancer was studied, but no disparities were found. This study is the first to use census-tract data—the most granular geographic level available from cancer registries—to examine how racialized economic segregation influences advanced-stage diagnoses of all three major screenable cancers at once. The findings are published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI).​​​

    “Our research shows that structural barriers in segregated neighborhoods continue to delay diagnosis for breast and cervical cancers—even among individuals eligible for screening,” said Dr. Qinran Liu, post-doctoral fellow, cancer disparities research at ACS, and lead author of the study. “But there is positive news. We found no disparities in stage at diagnosis for colorectal cancer. This may in part reflect the impact of local equity-focused initiatives for early detection of colorectal cancer in NYC. However, the results for colorectal cancer may not be applicable to other areas, especially those without such early detection initiatives.”

    “Our findings have direct implications for cancer prevention and early detection efforts by identifying neighborhoods with the greatest disparities in stage at diagnosis,” Dr. Liu added. “This information can inform targeted resource allocation and guide interventions such as patient navigation services and investments in healthcare infrastructure—strategies that can facilitate earlier diagnosis with the goal of improving outcomes.”

    “This study underscores the role of demographic data in identifying disparities in cancer risk, incidence, diagnosis, and outcomes, and helping inform tailored strategies and outreach efforts to address these disparities,” said Lisa A. Lacasse, president of ACS’s advocacy affiliate ACS CAN. “Policies that ensure the timely collection and reporting of complete and accurate demographic data, along with policies that increase access to timely, affordable care, are key to saving lives. Protecting federal funding for the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is essential to ensure the continuation of lifesaving programs that provide millions of cancer screenings, support state cancer registries, and deliver critical prevention, early detection and survivorship services to communities across the country.”

    Other ACS researchers contributing to the study include Dr. Daniel Wiese, Dr. Jordan Baeker Bispo, Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, and senior author Dr. Farhad Islami.

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  • Study suggests firefighters face increased mortality rates for several cancers

    ​It’s estimated that more than 15 million firefighters protect the inhabitants of 60 countries worldwide. Though the hazardous exposures encountered by firefighters vary, potential exposures include several known or suspected carcinogens. After more than thirty years of follow-up, a new study released by ACS researchers on July 28, found that firefighters are at an increased risk of mortality from skin, kidney, and other types of cancer. This research follows a 2022 review by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) that found sufficient evidence that occupation as a firefighter causes mesothelioma and bladder cancer, but limited or inadequate evidence for causation for all other cancer types. The ACS study was published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.​

    “Our findings support the growing body of research linking firefighter exposures to cancer risk,” said Dr. Lauren Teras, senior scientific director, epidemiology research at ACS and lead author of the study. “The associations with skin, kidney, prostate, and colorectal cancer notably help to fill gaps for cancers that were considered to have limited or inadequate evidence in the previous IARC review.”

    Because cancers often take many years to develop, the authors note this research highlights the advantages of studies like the ACS Cancer Prevention Study-II that follow participants for decades and can account for other factors like smoking and socioeconomic status. The higher risk of dying from lung cancer was only clear after studying participants for 30 years. The study also calls attention to the importance of proper personal protective equipment for the skin, as the rates of fatal skin cancers were higher among firefighters in this study population.

    “Although this isn’t favorable news, this study shines a spotlight on the long-term risks firefighters face beyond the immediate dangers of fighting a fire. Continued efforts to safeguard the health of firefighters by increasing access to cancer screening, early detection, and prevention are paramount,” Dr. Teras added. “This population plays a crucial role in our communities as first responders and protectors of life and property.”

    Other ACS researchers contributing to the study include Dr. Ryan Diver, Dr. Robert Smith, Dr. William Dahut, Ellen Mitchell, James Hodge, Emily Deubler, and senior author Dr. Alpa Patel.

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  • Discovery Shops celebrate 60 years 🎉

    More than 60 years ago, an American Cancer Society volunteer named Denise Noel had a bold idea: What if a thrift store could be more than just a secondhand shop? What if it offered high-quality, beautifully curated merchandise, and used the net proceeds to fight cancer?

    In 1965, Denise opened the very first American Cancer Society Thrift Store in the San Fernando Valley in California. It was a radical concept at the time – quality and thrift didn't usually go hand in hand. But, thanks to her vision, passion, and determination, that little shop started something big.

    The idea quickly caught on. Volunteers across California stepped up, opened stores, and gave each location a personality of its own with creative names like "Nice Twice" and "Just a Second." In the 1980s, a new name took hold –Discovery Shop. With  it came a clear identity, resale with purpose, community at heart, and guaranteed quality.

    Since that first shop opened, Discovery Shops have raised more than $372 million to support the American Cancer Society's mission. Today, there are 59 shops nationwide. While each has its own local flavor, all are united by one common goal: to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families.

    One Million Strong and Growing

    Every year, more than a million people walk through the doors of a Discovery Shop. They come from every walk of life and every background – and they all leave knowing they're part of something bigger.

    Together, we're supporting survivors. We're fueling breakthroughs. We're fighting cancer, one donation, one purchase, and one volunteer hour at a time. We are the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, and we thank you for 60 years of support.

    Become Part of Our Story

    We invite you to shop, donate, or volunteer because every action helps us move closer to ending cancer as we know it, for everyone.

  • ACS and Pfizer fund grants at seven institutions

    The American Cancer Society and Pfizer External Research & Grants are collaborating to distribute grants to address barriers to cancer care for American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) individuals in cancer treatment. Seven institutions were notified last week that their proposals were accepted after a competitive review process. Each project will receive up to $250,000 for the grant period from Aug. 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2027. The institutions receiving grants are:

    • Billings Clinic (Montana)

    • CHRISTUS St. Vincent Hospital (New Mexico)

    • Mobridge Regional Hospital (South Dakota)

    • Northern Arizona Healthcare (Arizona)

    • Oregon Health and Science University (Oregon)

    • University of Southern California (California)

    • University of California, Irvine (California)

    The grants program supports quality improvement projects aimed at reducing cancer treatment disparities and strengthening collaborations to improve cancer care for AIAN and NHPI individuals facing cancer, with an emphasis on addressing cultural and geographic barriers. Each project includes a planning phase that will engage community organizations in identifying barriers and needs unique to the AIAN and/or NHPI population served by the awarded organization. Awarded projects include activities such as the development of culturally informed patient navigation programs, implementation of a care coordination model for integrating Community Health Workers (CHW) into cancer care, and facilitation of a hub-and-spoke approach to care between navigators, community primary care and specialty care providers, and comprehensive cancer centers.

    The Patient Support Implementation Science team will administer the grant program in collaboration with Pfizer.

    "Our previous partnership grant programs with Pfizer have successfully removed barriers to screening and care for populations disproportionately affected by breast and prostate cancer disparities," said Dr. Laura Makaroff, senior vice president, Cancer Prevention. "We are looking forward to building on that success with the selected grantees and breaking down more barriers to essential cancer care for American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) individuals."

  • ACS EMPOWER launches nationwide

    The ACS EMPOWER program launches nationwide to all 31 Hope Lodge locations on July 23. The pilot program began in December 2024 at four Hope Lodge sites. An additional five sites were launched in April.

    ACS EMPOWER is a complimentary educational initiative designed for individuals affected by cancer and their caregivers. It features in-person sessions that promote overall well-being, facilitate community connections, offer resources for navigating cancer, and deliver emotional support. It is available to Hope Lodge guests, caregivers, and people with cancer in the surrounding community.

    “We recognized a need to further support people on their cancer journey, integrating a focus on whole-person health into the Hope Lodge experience. ACS EMPOWER is designed to help people elevate their quality of life by fostering resilience, connection, and well-being,” said Tamara Fernandez, vice president, Hope Lodge.

    The seven elements of ACS EMPOWER are designed to create a comprehensive support system for people with cancer and their caregivers. Activities aimed at physical resilience, fun, and self-expression are integral to promoting emotional and physical health. This multifaceted approach ensures that participants can achieve and maintain wellness throughout their treatment journey.

    • Engage: Connect to knowledge and support communities, strengthen social networks, and combat exclusion, and isolation

    • Move: Strengthen, energize, and destress with physical resilience activities

    • Play: Harness the power and positive impact of fun at any age; evoke joy and laughter, reduce anxiety, and embrace teamwork

    • Optimize: Position to achieve and maintain comprehensive physical and physiologic wellness during active treatment and beyond

    • Waken: Elevate consciousness, unleash creativity, and embrace self-expression to support healing

    • Enrich: Explore the benefits of complementary, functional, and integrative medicine principles, techniques, and programs

    • Resource: Understand the array and availability of non-clinical support resources and health-related social needs programs

    The ACS EMPOWER curriculum allows each Hope Lodge team to tailor the program to fit the needs of guests and create meaningful connections within the local community.

    "This program is going to revolutionize the Hope Lodge experience and create a brighter, stronger future for the patients and caregivers we serve,” added Tamara.

    ACS EMPOWER activities include:

    • Cooking demonstrations featuring nutritious, cancer-friendly meals

    • Arts and crafts for creative expression and relaxation

    • Live music and entertainment to uplift and inspire

    • Massage therapy to support stress relief and healing

    • Yoga and stretch exercises to enhance physical well-being

    • Educational lectures on health, nutrition, and survivorship

    Looking Ahead

    With this nationwide expansion, ACS EMPOWER represents a new era of integrative oncology support, ensuring every Hope Lodge guest, as well as people impacted by cancer who live in the nearby community, has access to comprehensive, whole-person care throughout their cancer journey.

  • ACS partners with Sinclair Cares

    Launching July 14, Sinclair Broadcast Group has joined forces with the American Cancer Society to "Drive Out Cancer" through its award-winning Sinclair Cares public service campaign. The campaign's primary mission is twofold: to recruit volunteer drivers for the Road To Recovery program and to raise critical funds supporting free transportation for cancer patients in need.

    Running through July 27, the Drive Out Cancer campaign will be activated across all 186 Sinclair television stations nationwide, including 68 stations with dedicated news departments that will air earned media stories, interviews, and community reports.

    Reaching millions through a unified national effort

    This partnership will feature a broad array of multimedia and community engagement initiatives, including:

    • Customized public service announcements (PSAs): Produced by each Sinclair station using local news talent and b-roll provided by ACS, these :10, :15, :20, and :30 second PSAs will run across all 186 stations.
    • A three-pronged viewer call-to-action: encouraging audiences to volunteer to drive, donate, or get help, with each message linking to relevant ACS resources.
    • A co-branded Sinclair landing page, directing viewers to Road To Recovery services and ACS support.
    • A 30-minute public affairs special recorded at WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C., to be aired on all Sinclair stations, featuring ACS experts, Road To Recovery drivers, and personal stories from patients.

    Stations that do not currently have a local Road To Recovery program will instead highlight other vital ACS services, including Hope Lodge, the National Cancer Information Center, and ACS Cares.

  • Fuel the Hope for Change campaign is raising funds for ACS throughout July

    The nationwide convenience store retailer EG America is teaming up with the American Cancer Society for the annual Fuel the Hope For Change campaign to raise money for patient support programs and research.

    Throughout July, guests at all EG America-operated convenience stores can donate $1, $5, or an amount of their choosing towards the American Cancer Society. Last year, EG America raised more than $645,000 through its in-store fundraiser.

    “Our partnership with EG America has generated more than $2.3 million in donations for critical programs and services," said Sarah Wells, executive vice president of the American Cancer Society. “This outcome is a direct reflection of EG America and their loyal customers' steadfast commitment to ending cancer as we know it and improving life for every patient."

    The EG America network has 1,500 stores across the country where customers can choose to participate and support the mission of the American Cancer Society in July:

    • Cumberland Farms (MA, CT, RI, NY, NH, ME, VT, FL)
    • Certified Oil (OH, WV, KY)
    • Fastrac Cafe (Upstate NY)
    • Kwik Shop (IA, KS, NE)
    • Loaf'N Jug (CO, MT, ND, NE, NM, SD, WY)
    • Minit Mart (IL, KS, KY, MN, MI, OH, TN, WI)
    • QuikStop (CA, NV)
    • Tom Thumb (AL, FL, MI, TN)
    • Turkey Hill (IN, OH, PA)​
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