​ACS partners with clinics and health systems to boost cancer screening rates in 39 states.

The American Cancer Society has announced the launch of 160 projects focused on improving breast, colorectal, cervical and lung cancer screening rates or HPV vaccination rates in targeted communities. In partnership with local health systems, the projects will drive quality improvement strategies and evidence-based interventions to promote and deliver cancer screening and HPV vaccination dissemination appropriately, safely, and equitably. Collectively, the 2023 projects in 39 states impact nearly 1.7 million people eligible for cancer screening or HPV vaccination. The map of projects and health systems can be found here.

“Our partnerships with clinics and health systems are critical in addressing low cancer screening rates and HPV vaccination in communities,” said Dr. Arif Kamal, ACS chief patient officer. “Some of the barriers we see can be addressed on a community level if health professionals have the support to improve internal processes and provide resources.”  

According to ACS' recently released Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Facts & Figures, 2023-2024, barriers to cancer screening are not mutually exclusive and occur and interact at multiple levels, including policy, health system, provider, community, and patient levels. Access can be improved by reducing administrative barriers and costs; offering alternative and flexible screening sites and hours; and providing childcare, transportation, and translation services. Health system-wide reminders, feedback, and incentives can improve providers’ recommendations, and small media and educational campaigns can improve patient demand for screening. 

Read more about the projects' focus areas in the ACS pressroom.