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ACS Discovery work spotlighted in the news during September and October

Medicaid expansion associated with smaller declines in early-stage cancer diagnoses during the COVID-19 pandemic in the US

Report adds to growing evidence of the benefits of Medicaid expansion for cancer diagnoses and patient outcomes.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted health care, including cancer screening and diagnosis, especially for medically underserved populations, leading to substantial underdiagnosis of early-stage cancers in 2020. In a new study, released Oct. 20, scientists found that Medicaid expansion was associated with smaller declines in early-stage cancer detection among adults during the pandemic. The study was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI).

“Many people experienced job disruptions and financial instability during the pandemic, which led to cost barriers to timely care," said Dr. Xuesong Han, scientific director, health services research at ACS, and lead author of the study. “This data suggests a protective effect of Medicaid expansion on cancer early diagnosis during the public health emergency."

“Our findings can inform policymakers and the public in the 10 states that have yet to expand Medicaid eligibility," Dr. Han added. “The findings also provide critical information for policymakers and the public in all states about the public health implications of upcoming large federal cuts to Medicaid programs and expected loss of insurance coverage for more than 10 million adults."

“This research adds to the mountain of existing proof that Medicaid expansion saves lives from cancer by reducing the number of people who are uninsured," said Lisa A. Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “ACS CAN has long advocated for Medicaid expansion, and our work continues as states begin to contemplate how to implement the drastic changes from this summer's budget reconciliation law. These recent changes made by Congress to cut Medicaid will undo decades of progress in the fight against cancer. Increasing and protecting existing access to this critical program must be a priority nationwide if we are to end cancer as we know it, for everyone."

Other ACS researchers contributing to the study include Nova Yang, MSPH, Dr. Qinjin Fan, Dr. Leticia Nogueira, Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, and senior author Dr. Robin Yabroff.

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Key research presented by ACS experts at 2025 ASCO Quality Care Symposium

ACS abstracts were highlighted during presentations at this year's event.

Scientists from ACS presented research studies at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Quality Care Symposium (QCS), Oct. 10 – 11, in Chicago, IL. ASCO QCS offers research and education that encompasses the needs and viewpoints of multiple disciplines and various practice settings, attracting oncology professionals from around the world. This year's program featured studies complementing the meeting's theme: “Partners in Care: Building Bridges Through Shared Decisions."

Prostate cancer survivors who follow healthy lifestyle guidelines live longer

Researchers stress the importance of following ACS Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines for cancer survivors.

A new study announced Sept. 26 reports that men diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer who adopted the ACS Nutrition and Physical Activity Guideline for Cancer Survivors after diagnosis live longer. Over 14 years of follow-up, men with the highest adherence to the guideline were 23% less likely to die of any cause and 25% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease compared with those with the lowest adherence. The ACS guideline recommends avoiding obesity, engaging in regular physical activity, following a healthy diet, and limiting alcohol. The study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open.

“Even men who were not following the guideline before their prostate cancer diagnosis, but improved afterward, experienced lower mortality compared with men who maintained low adherence, " said Dr. Valeria Elahy, post-doctoral fellow in cancer epidemiology, prevention, and survivorship at the ACS and lead author of the study. “It's never too late to benefit from adopting healthier lifestyle behaviors."

“Cardiovascular disease is the most common non-cancer cause of death for this group of men," said Dr. Ying Wang, senior principal scientist, epidemiology research, and senior author of the study. “Our results suggest that healthy lifestyle behaviors can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality. Future research should evaluate how best to support survivors in adopting and sustaining these behaviors."

Other ACS researchers contributing to the study include Christina Newton, MSPH, Dr. Majorie McCullough, Dr. Lauren Teras, Dr. Clara Bodelon, Dr. Erika Rees-Punia, Dr. Caroline Um, Dr. Laura Makaroff, and Dr. Alpa Patel.

Study finds cancer survival rates lower in rural areas, aligned with disparities in receipt of care

Researchers stress the need to increase access to cancer care for historically marginalized populations to help mitigate disparities.

A new study released Sept. 24 shows that the overall five-year cancer survival rates for each stage of cancer (localized, regional, distant) were lower in non-metropolitan areas for Black and White individuals in the United States. The results also find that survival rates are lower for Black persons compared to White persons across various cancer types and in several stages and categories of urbanicity, especially for breast and colorectal cancers. Urbanicity was defined as the degree to which an area is considered urban or rural, ranging from highly populated metropolitan areas to rural settings. Lower cancer survival generally aligned with lower receipt of cancer treatment. The study was published in Cancer, an international, interdisciplinary journal of the American Cancer Society.

“Lower survival rates for cancers with the same stage at diagnosis in non-metropolitan areas largely reflect disparities in receipt of quality cancer care due to inequities in social determinants of health, including lack of insurance coverage," said Dr. Farhad Islami, senior scientific director, cancer disparity research at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the study. “This needs to change. Increasing access to cancer care to these historically marginalized populations is critically needed to mitigate disparities."

“More research concerning interventions to mitigate disparities in cancer treatment and care and the contributing social factors is needed," Islami added. 

“Where someone lives shouldn't determine if they live," said Lisa A. Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “This study provides further evidence of how important access to timely, high-quality, affordable health care is to having better health outcomes and reducing cancer disparities. We can't afford to have new or existing barriers to accessing cancer prevention, screening, or treatment services. We urge Congress to support funding increases for cancer prevention and early detection programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and extend the health care tax credits before time runs out. Our ability to reduce the cancer burden for everyone relies on this."

Other ACS researchers involved in this study include Dr. Daniel Wiese, Elizabeth Schafer, MPH, Dr. Hyuna Sung, and senior author  Dr. Ahmedin Jemal.

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  • October Advocacy Update

    A message from ACS CAN President Lisa Lacasse

    As we head into the final stretch of the year, our cancer mission priorities remain front and center, and elevating the patient voice continues to drive our momentum. The impact of Leadership Summit and Lobby Day (LS&LD) is still being felt. We brought 720 advocates to Capitol Hill, met with every Senate office and 384 House offices, and are proud to see that hard work paying off.

    Through the relentless advocacy of our volunteers over these last months, the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act (MCED) is now the most cosponsored bill in the 119th Congress! We know that years of elevating our cancer lens through patient voice has created this outcome. Thank you for all you have done to drive ongoing urgency to our cancer mission! This moment in time calls for us to be relentless, and this energy carries us forward as we track key developments in Washington and continue driving progress across federal, state and local landscapes.

    The start of October brought significant challenges with the shutdown of the federal government on October 1 after stalled negotiations over Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) funding. While the Senate remains in session and has held multiple votes on short-term proposals, none have advanced. These delays have real implications for patients and researchers.

    The shutdown is disrupting the cancer research ecosystem. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has paused new grant funding, delayed application processing, and suspended most clinical trial enrollment, except in medically necessary cases. October and November are peak months for external research funding, and this interruption threatens both new and ongoing projects. While the NIH Clinical Center remains open and current trial participants continue treatment, the halt in new studies and patient enrollment risks creating a backlog that could delay progress.

    Amid this uncertainty, there have been more encouraging moments. On September 30, the White House announced it will double funding for the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI) and released a plan to harness AI to accelerate cures. ACS CAN applauded this move and continues to call for sustained NIH funding to support this critical work. Our post amplifying the announcement reinforced the message that federal investment in research must remain a national priority.

    As Congress finalizes decisions for FY26, we have a real opportunity to end the year on a high note. Through strong grassroots advocacy, targeted advertising, and our Voices of Cancer Research site, we're making the strongest nationwide case that protecting cancer research and access to care must remain a top priority. The stories shared on this platform are powerful reminders of what's at stake and why lawmakers must act.

    And now, new ACS research adds to the mounting evidence that underscores just how critical access to affordable health care through Medicaid is to our mission. The latest ACS study examining the impact of Medicaid expansion, published in the American Association for Cancer Research Journal Cancer Discovery, found that improvements in 5-year cause-specific survival and overall cancer survival were significantly greater in Medicaid expansion states than in non-expansion states. The improvements were especially strong for people in rural and low-income communities and for those diagnosed with cancers that are typically harder to treat.

    We're advocating strenuously to protect and increase access to care, for key decisions on health care tax credits, and federal funding for programs that create impact on our mission. These critical levers determine whether patients can afford coverage, access treatment, and benefit from lifesaving research. 

    Please continue to share patient, survivor, caregiver and researcher stories. Every voice strengthens our message and reminds Congress that now is the time to act. Please consider a donationto continue to help us expand our voices even further.  

    Thank you for your continued advocacy in the fight against cancer.

    Priorities and Partners

    Just a few weeks after LS&LD, we held another major meeting with members of our state and local teams and our partners. Our 2025 ACS CAN Priorities and Partners Meeting was an energizing three days of strategy, learning, and collaboration. We gathered in Arlington, VA, to focus on the issues shaping cancer policy today, at the federal and state levels, from learning about innovations like Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) and measurable or minimal residual disease (MRD) biomarker testing, to the discussions about the legislative challenges of protecting access to insurance coverage for cancer patients through ACA health premium tax credits and expanded access to Medicaid. Other topics of discussion included highlighting the challenges of funding that has been essential to protecting and expanding proven tobacco control, understanding the impact of federal funding changes at the state level, and elevating and expanding partnerships to increase our organizational impact.

    Throughout the meeting, we explored federal and state policy shifts, strengthened our advocacy skills through breakout sessions, and heard from partners across industry and grassroots organizations. These conversations will guide our work to protect patient access to care, advance health equity, and drive legislative wins this yearend and in 2026.

    We were pleased to have the support of 22 partners and raised $530,000.

    A heartfelt thank you to our government relations directors, state teams and federal teams for leading critical discussions and sharing expertise, and to our partners and sponsors whose support and partnership make this annual event possible! Your commitment ensures ACS CAN remains at the forefront of cancer advocacy.

    State Updates

    Alabama State Senator Steve Livingston has pre-filed Senate Bill 19, a bill aimed at expanding insurance coverage for cancer screenings. If passed, Alabama would become the tenth state to require coverage for prostate cancer screening, helping improve early detection and access to care for more residents.

    Prostate cancer survivors, physicians, and advocates recently gathered at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to call for swift passage of House Bill 281 and Senate Bill 447. These proposals would eliminate cost-sharing requirements for high-risk individuals, helping remove financial barriers that prevent many Pennsylvanians from accessing potentially lifesaving prostate cancer screenings.

    ACS CAN advocates in New York City held a virtual Cancer Action Day (CAD) to urge NYC Councilmembers to promote workers' access to early detection. The legislation in focus would require private employees with five or more staff to provide up to five hours of paid time-off each year for preventative medical care, including cancer screenings. The CAD came on the heels of a recent study led by ACS, which found that people living in racially and economically segregated neighborhoods in NYC were more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage breast and cervical cancer. ACS CAN volunteers are hopeful that their productive conversations will move the Council to hold a public hearing on the bill before the end of the year.

    New Mexico announced a special session in early October to minimize damage from federal budget cuts, and Missouri held a special session on congressional districting maps.

    Federal Updates

    In the pharmaceutical space, the administration announced sweeping proposals that could impact patients across the US. A threatened 100% tariff on branded drug imports was announced to force price concessions and investment in domestic manufacturing but was paused amid ongoing negotiations. Countries and regions with previously negotiated rates at 15% like Japan and the European Union, are exempt from the threatened tariffs. Meanwhile, new direct-to-consumer agreements with Pfizer and AstraZeneca would offer select medications at Most Favored Nation pricing through a government portal launching in 2026, though it appears this portal only applies to individuals who self-pay and costs associated with this portal will not count towards an insured's cost sharing. These developments underscore the need for patient-centered policy, and we're working to ensure that the voices of those most affected are part of every conversation.

    The Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act (MCED) (H.R. 842/S. 339) is now the most cosponsored bill in Congress. House sponsors are Reps. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) and Terri Sewell (D-AL). Senate sponsors are Sens. Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Mike Bennet (D-CO). The House bill has 322 cosponsors and the Senate bill has 62 cosponsors. After the shutdown, we hope to have movement in the House Energy and Commerce Committee on the bill.

    Enhanced ACA Health Care Tax Credits: Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL) introduced the Health Care Affordability Act (H.R. 247/S. 46). The bill has 162 House cosponsors and 44 Senate cosponsors. This would permanently extend enhanced health care tax credits, helping millions of Americans afford their insurance premiums.

    ACS and ACS CAN Engage Indigenous Communities at the National Indian Health Board's (NIHB)'s 2025 Conference: ACS and ACS CAN were proud to cosponsor and cobrand a successful engagement at the NIHB 2025 Conference in Arizona, an event that welcomed more than 1,200 participants committed to advancing health in Native communities.

    A standout moment was the powerful screening of ACS Real Lives: Cancer Stories of Indigenous People, which drew a crowd of over 160 attendees, including Tribal Leaders, conference participants, and NIHB CEO A.C. Locklear. Locklear delivered opening remarks, emphasizing the value of our strategic alliance in addressing cancer disparities in Indigenous communities.

    ACS was also featured as a panelist during a main plenary session titled “Beyond Federal Dollars: Diversifying Funding for Tribal Health," offering critical insights into cancer prevention and survivorship efforts tailored to Tribal health systems.

    Meanwhile, our ACS CAN Arizona team partnered with the Arizona Department of Health Services and Northern Arizona University to host a vibrant and well-attended exhibit booth. Through this outreach, the team collected over 180 collated name cards, strengthening connections and enhancing access to cancer resources across Indigenous communities in Arizona and beyond.

    This event reinforced our commitment to equitable cancer care and demonstrated how collaboration, cultural relevance, and community engagement remain at the heart of our advocacy and mission-driven work.

    ACS CAN Sponsors CHCI's 48th Annual Awards Gala and the CBCF Annual Legislative Conference (ALC)

    As part of our ongoing efforts to elevate our cancer priorities with elected officials, ACS CAN supported the annual convening of Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's (CHCI) 48th Annual Awards Gala is a signature event that celebrates Latino culture and leadership while uniting national changemakers and advocates. This year's gala was a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and equity in health care. We were proud to host staff from the office of Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA), who—alongside Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX)—introduced ACS CAN priority legislation, the Clinical Trial Modernization Act. This bipartisan bill is designed to remove cost and geographic barriers to clinical trial participation, helping more patients access cutting-edge care.

    We were also thrilled to be joined by several ACS and ACS CAN leaders who are helping drive our mission forward:

    • Jose Buenaga, ACS Board Member
    • Jose Ramos, ACS CAN Board Member
    • Manuel Luna, ACS CAN State Lead Ambassador, New Mexico
    • Lillian Santos, Executive Vice President, ACS Puerto Rico
    • Maria Cristy, Vice President, Cancer Control and Patient Services, ACS Puerto Rico

    Their presence at the gala highlighted the strong and growing commitment across our organization to advocate for policies that reduce disparities and improve outcomes for all cancer patients—especially in historically underserved communities. Together, we continue to amplify voices, advance equity, and work toward a world where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. 

    The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) is the premier policy conference focused on issues impacting African Americans and the global Black community. Each year, thought leaders, legislators, and engaged citizens convene to address critical topics including economic development, public health, and education.

    ACS CAN was proud to serve as a sponsor of both the Day of Healing Prayer Breakfast and the prestigious Annual Phoenix Awards Dinner at this year's ALC. At the gala, we were honored to host:

    • Rep. Glenn Ivey (MD)'s Chief of Staff Aaron Harawa
    • Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, ACS CAN Board Chair
    • Desirée Rogers, ACS Board Member
    • Kimberly Green, National Secretary, National Pan-Hellenic Council

    In addition, ACS CAN had a strong presence throughout the conference. Angela Sailor, Senior Director of Advocacy for Health Equity, represented ACS CAN as a panelist for "Navigating Medical Debt: The Influence of Healthcare Systems and Federal Policies on Local Communities," hosted by Bristol Myers Squibb as well as the "Health Innovation: Expanding Access and Opportunity for Communities in Rural and Urban America," hosted by Holland & Knight

    These engagements reflect ACS CAN's ongoing commitment to advancing health equity and ensuring access to quality care for all communities.

    ACS CAN at the Childhood Cancer Caucus Summit: Erika Ninoyu, ACS CAN Director of Federal Advocacy, participated in the 16th annual Childhood Cancer Caucus Summit hosted by Representatives Michael McCaul (R-TX), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Kathy Castor (D-FL), and Ami Bera (D-CA).

    We are excited that the STAR Act received requests for full funding through Labor-HHS-Education bill at $30M in the Senate and the House bill requests a $5 million increase at $35 million dollars. The bill increases transparency and expands opportunities for childhood cancer research at the NIH. It also prioritizes survivorship by expanding research into the long-term side effects of childhood cancer and its treatments.

    The Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI) received flat funding by the Senate and a $5M increase from the House. Separately, as mentioned, the administration announced a decision to double CCDI funding within existing funding. On September 17th, the Energy & Commerce Committee unanimously passed the Give Kids a Chance Act (H.R. 1262), which would ensure continued incentives for childhood cancer research and development as well as create a process to look for pediatric uses for newly approved drugs that otherwise were not examined for use in children.

    Judicial Updates

    • Marketplace Integrity Rule: A federal judge put key provisions of a new rule on hold that would negatively impact Affordable Care Act coverage for nearly two million people. The ruling in City of Columbus v. Kennedy keeps coverage in place for many individuals who may have lost it. ACS CAN filed comments in opposition to the rule during the regulatory phase and filed amicus briefs in two cases opposing the rule, including City of Columbus in early September. That case is now on appeal to the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
    • Shutdown Affecting Court Cases: Parts of the judicial branch are functioning as normal so far, but the government shutdown has begun to impact other parts of the judiciary. ACS CAN has been closely monitoring a number of cases against the administration that would impact public health. Several have already been “stayed," or paused, at the request of the Department of Justice until the government resumes regular business.

    Policy Update

    A new study in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science highlights travel distance as a major barrier to clinical trial access, with nearly 38% of Americans over 35 living more than 50 miles from an NCI-funded site and 17% over 100 miles. Access is especially limited in high-incidence regions like the South, Appalachia, and the Great Plains. The paper, led by ACS CAN Senior Policy Analyst, Sharon P. Shriver, Ph.D., finds that expanding NCI funding to currently unsupported facilities could reduce the number of people without access from 17% to just 1.6%, underscoring the need for public policy solutions to expand research infrastructure in underserved areas. Read more.

    Advocacy In the News

    • Cancer Health: Hundreds of Cancer Advocates Gather in DC to Urge Congress to Sustain Vital Research and Prevention Funding
    • Nexstar: Cancer survivors, advocates rally for research funding on Capitol Hill
    • Spectrum News: Advocates, Volunteers Take Fight to Fund Cancer Research to Nation's Capital
    • Public News Service: Advocates worry for future fight against cancer amid federal cuts
    • Worcester Telegram: Sturbridge woman with late-stage ovarian cancer takes center stage in NIH cuts debate
    • NBC Washington: Group Calls on Lawmakers for Cancer Research Funding: Interview of ACS CAN President Lisa Lacasse
    • KUNR Nevada: Nevada advocates urge Congress to protect cancer research and expand screening access
    • WFMY North Carolina: From chemo to Capitol Hill: NC survivors speak out against proposed medical research cuts
    • WDAY ABC North Dakota: Extending the ACA Tax credit: Interviews of Volunteer Eniola Soetan & Gov. Relations Dir. Ben Hanson

  • Dr. Robin Yabroff presented with Joseph Simone Award

    ​Robin Yabroff, PhD, MBA, FASCO, scientific vice president, Health Service Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Health Services Research (SPHeRe), pictured above at right, will be honored with the 2025 Joseph Simone Quality Care Award during the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Quality Care Symposium (QCS), on Oct. 10 and 11 in Chicago, IL.

    Dr. Yabroff receives the honor as a leader in health services research, having utilized her advanced training in epidemiology and economics to conduct policy-relevant research on cancer care outcomes.

    The award was created in honor of Joseph V. Simone, MD, FASCO, to recognize an extraordinary individual who has made multiple, significant, and enduring contributions to the quality and safety of cancer care.

    “I am grateful for this award,” Dr. Yabroff said. “It reflects the importance of addressing access to care and affordability for patients with cancer and their families and is an endorsement of policy-relevant research.”​

    Additionally, Post-Doctoral Fellow Margaret Katana Ogongo, PhD, MPH, MA, Surveillance, Prevention, and Health Services Research (SPHeRe), pictured above at left, will receive a 2025 Quality Care Symposium Merit Award. The award recognizes first authors on top-ranking abstracts selected for presentation at the symposium.

    ACS will also present several research studies throughout the two-day conference. Read more about abstracts that will be showcased here.

    Congratulations to Dr. Yabroff and Dr. Katana Ogongo!

  • ACS releases lobular breast cancer special report

    ​On Oct. 7, ACS released Lobular Breast Cancer Statistics, 2025, a report on occurrence and outcomes in the United States for this subtype of breast cancer. Findings show an estimated 33,600 women will be diagnosed with lobular breast cancer or invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) this year. Ranked separately, the disease would be the seventh most common cancer among women in the US. The report also finds that incidence rates for ILC have increased more steeply (2.8% per year) than all other breast cancers combined (0.8% per year) from 2012 to 2021. The report is to be published in the journal Cancer, an international, interdisciplinary journal of the American Cancer Society. 

    Other key findings from the report include: 

    • Similar to other breast cancers, the steepest rise in ILC incidence is among Asian American/Pacific Islander women, with an increase of 4.4% per year from 2012 to 2021. 

    • White women have the highest incidence rate of ILC (14.7 per 100,000 women), with Black women ranking second (11 per 100,000). 

    • Survival for women diagnosed with ILC is slightly higher than that for ductal breast cancer in the first seven years after diagnosis and for localized-stage disease, but lower for both regional (78.2% versus 76.4%) and distant-stage disease (19.6% versus 12.1%) at 10 years after diagnosis. 

    Angela Giaquinto, MSPH, associate scientist, Cancer Surveillance Research, was the lead author of the report. Rebecca Siegel, MPH, senior scientific director, Cancer Surveillance Research, was senior author of the study. Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, senior vice president, Surveillance, Prevention, & Health Services Research (SPHeRe), also contributed to this report. 

  • ACS and the NFL are improving cancer outcomes through Crucial Catch

    Getting screened is crucial to catching cancer early, when it may be easier to treat. Through Crucial Catch, the American Cancer Society and the NFL have worked together to improve cancer outcomes by supporting more than 840,000 cancer screenings and impacting more than 1.9 million lives since 2012. While educating fans about the importance of cancer screening, early detection, and risk reduction, the initiative also raises funds for CHANGE grants that help community health centers and NFL-affiliated or in-market hospitals in under-resourced areas increase access to cancer screening.  

    ACS and the NFL recently shared the Crucial Catch’s 2025 CHANGE grant recipients. These 64 funded projects leverage various resources to expand access to breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer screening in NFL markets. In 2024, Crucial Catch projects impacted 281 participating clinic sites from 33 health systems, reached more than 183,000 eligible patients, diagnosed 1,466 cancers, and helped to increase cancer screening rates by an average of 2.9 percentage points. 

    “Addressing gaps in cancer screening and encouraging fans to get screened has played an essential role in our work to improve cancer outcomes nationwide,” said Chief Patient Officer Dr. Arif Kamal. “Funding tailored services on the local level allows us to collaborate with communities to provide the specific assistance they need, while the NFL’s broad reach educates on the importance of prevention and cancer screening.” 

    How the initiative comes alive 

    Through the sale of Crucial Catch-branded merchandise, NFL auctions, and general fundraising, the NFL has raised $35 million to support the American Cancer Society’s work to save lives by encouraging early detection since 2009. This year, Crucial Catch games will activate both on and off the field during NFL games through Oct. 19. These games will feature an array of in-game visuals such as Crucial Catch game balls, goal post wraps, and field-wall banners, branded on-field equipment for players, coaches, and officials, among other activations, to make the initiative come alive in-stadium.   

    Novartis supports education and screening 

    As an official partner of Crucial Catch, Novartis will take the initiative off the field to empower proactive health decisions and help more people detect cancer early by bringing educational resources, tools, and knowledge directly into local communities throughout the U.S. In addition, as part of its multi-year partnership with the NFL, Novartis is donating $5 million to the American Cancer Society during the next five seasons, where funds will support expanded education and critical cancer screening efforts in under-resourced communities. 

    Ambassadors amplify the mission 

    Through the Crucial Ca​tch and American Cancer Society Player Ambassador program, 19 NFL players with a personal tie to cancer will also amplify Crucial Catch's mission and vision through appearances, fundraising campaigns, and social media awareness campaigns. 

    How you can help 

    The NFL-funded grants are part of more than 130 projects funded by the American Cancer Society that focus on improving cancer screening rates in communities with the greatest need. Visit NFL.com/CrucialCatch to find local cancer screening resources and learn how to reduce cancer risk. 

  • Advocacy Update: Special Edition

    A Message from ACS CAN President Lisa Lacasse

    Last week, we hosted our 19th annual Leadership Summit & Lobby Day (LS&LD) in Washington, D.C. It was a powerful demonstration of advocacy in action, as volunteers from all 50 states, nearly every congressional district, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and Guam came together to urge lawmakers to protect cancer cures, access to care and lifesaving early detection.

    Of course, an event of this scale does not come together on its own. I continue to be in awe of the dedication and coordination of our incredible ACS CAN team members. Their efforts made this week not only possible but truly impactful. I am grateful for the support of the ACS CAN Board, ACS Board, the ACS Executive Leadership Team and ACS colleagues. A special shout-out goes to our new CEO, Shane Jacobson, who was all in and able to engage and lead in our advocacy efforts in so many ways.

    Keep reading to learn more about the difference we made together!

    Day 1: Affinity Row, Working to Reach All Communities 

    We opened LS&LD with Affinity Row, an opportunity to hear from ACS CAN's six volunteer affinity groups— the Black Volunteer Caucus (BVC), the LGBTQIA+ & Allies Engagement Group, the ACSí Se Puede Hispanic/Latino Advocacy Alliance, the Asian American & Pacific Islander Volunteer Caucus, the Young Leaders Caucus (YLC), and Indigenous Volunteer Voices (IVV). Volunteers learned about the impact of these groups nationwide as they advocate for an equitable and inclusive approach to reducing the cancer burden. We were proud to have 144 affinity group members in attendance this year, with more volunteers signing up to become members onsite.

    Focus on Self Care

    This year, we introduced a self-care workshop starting on Sunday, "Practical Strategies for Tending to Self in Advocacy," along with a rejuvenation space for attendees to relax and recharge.

    Annual Advocacy Honors Presented to Volunteers and Team Members

    LS&LD continued by celebrating volunteers and team members who received special recognition awards for their exceptional work advancing ACS CAN's mission, including:

    State Lead Ambassador (SLA) of the Year – Vince Marchetta (OH)
    Presented to a lead volunteer who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in advocating for ACS CAN's area of cancer-related public policy.

    Volunteer Award for Excellence in Advocacy (VAEA) – Bernie Jackvony (RI)
    The highest national volunteer advocacy honor bestowed by ACS CAN.

    Young Leader Award – Dr. Marina Watanabe (MA)
    Presented to a state volunteer who has demonstrated an exciting promise in their start with ACS CAN by taking advantage of new opportunities to advocate for cancer patients.

    Ambassador Constituent Team (ACT) Leads of the Year – Jung A Han (MA), Beth Parker (WA), Mary Kost (IN)
    Presented to lead congressional district volunteers who have demonstrated remarkable leadership advocating for ACS CAN's areas of cancer-related public policy.

    State Advocacy Team of the Year – Team Indiana
    Presented to combined staff and volunteer teams that have worked together to make a significant impression in cancer-related public policy.

    ACS Partner of the Year – Krista Kirksey Thomas, Associate Director, Community Partnerships
    Presented to an American Cancer Society team member who collaborates with ACS CAN to advance its mission to reduce the cancer burden through public policy change.

    Dave Woodmansee Award – Mark Anderson, ACS CAN Vice President, Regional Advocacy
    In honor of longtime ACS CAN State and Local Campaigns Director David Woodmansee, who passed away from cancer in 2019, this award is presented to a team member who has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in the areas of advocacy and public policy.

    Field Government Relations Professional of the Year – Susan Harbin, Senior Government Relations Director (FL)
    Presented to a government relations professional who has worked tirelessly to make a powerful, lasting impression in cancer-related public policy.

    Field Grassroots Professional of the Year – Tim Freeman, Senior Grassroots Manager (MO)
    Presented to an ACS CAN team member whose collaborative efforts further the achievement of advocacy-related mission goals.

    National Professional of the Year – Leslie Ferreira, Director, Grassroots Alliances - Health Equity
    Presented to a team member who has made significant contributions to ACS CAN through their cancer advocacy work.

    Please take a minute to reach out with a note of congratulations to these outstanding advocates!

    Day 2: Leadership Summit: Preparing for an Impactful Hill Day

    Each year, we spend Monday preparing our volunteer teams for Tuesday's Capitol Hill meetings with lawmakers, including a deep dive into our legislative asks. This year, we kicked things off with Olivia Mannion, co-leader of the Young Leaders Caucus, and Dr. Marina Watanabe, co-leader of the Asian American & Pacific Islander Volunteer Caucus, who served as our LS&LD emcees. They immediately made us laugh and reminded us that every story holds power.

    Before the morning breakout sessions, ACS CAN Board Chair Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Leonard welcomed attendees and honored Indigenous histories and cultures through a land acknowledgment. Our CEO Shane Jacobson grounded us in our purpose by underscoring that true advocacy is a goal, a dream and a willingness to work for change. When I addressed our volunteers, I shared a message of resilience and persistence in the face of challenges to our cancer priorities.

    During our mid-day session, we listened to an insightful panel discussion with ACS Board Vice Chair Dr. Mark Goldberg, medical center program manager Dr. Afroz Hafeez, nurse practitioner Laura LaRose, MSN, RN, PMGT-BC, AGACNP-BC, AOCNS, AOCNP, medical college program manager Debra Nevels, MSHCM, and postdoctoral researcher Dr. Ian Padykula. The speakers discussed the risks of cutting health care research funding from medical, academic and economic standpoints. On all fronts, funding cuts have a negative impact on patients and researchers alike. This is why we are asking lawmakers to support the highest possible funding for cancer research and prevention to support the National Institute of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H).

    We later participated in Hill prep and heard from our Federal Advocacy team, joined by Soapbox CEO Christopher Kush, who walked us through the fundamentals of our legislative asks and some on-stage role playing on how best to engage with lawmakers the following day.

    2025 CAN Opener

    More than 600 attendees danced the night away in denim and diamonds. Wearing our finest bedazzled jean jackets and cowboy boots, we were united not just by style, but by our shared commitment to cancer advocacy. The event raised over $60,000 for ACS CAN's critical public policy advocacy work, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors. ACS CAN's Silent Auction also raised over $9,241 for our mission with competitive bids on everything from wireless headphones to hand-crafted 'hot dish carriers' to of-the-moment Labubus and even a volunteer's painting of our blue shirts on Capitol Hill.

    Day 3: Lobby Day: Blue Shirt Brigade Brings Cancer Fight to Capitol Hill

    On Tuesday, ACS CAN's advocates, including patients, survivors and caregivers, donned their signature blue shirts to meet with their lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Before departing, we celebrated elected officials who have been champions of our work. We heard from our National Distinguished Advocacy Award (NDAA) recipients. This award is the highest national advocacy honor bestowed by ACS CAN elected officials who have demonstrated tremendous leadership in the fight against cancer.

    Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO) joined us in the ballroom to accept her NDAA award for her tenacious work to expand access to cancer care, along her efforts to champion the 21st Century Cures Act.

    Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) also received the NDAA award for defending North Carolinian's access to health care by using his position to build bipartisan bridges to advance the fight against cancer.

    We were also honored to welcome James Jones, Head Men's Basketball Coach at Yale University, and Jerome Tang, Head Men's Basketball Coach at Kansas State University, two inspirational voices who shared motivating words of encouragement before we headed to the Hill.

    ACS CAN advocates went on to participate in meetings with every Senate office and 384 House offices, including 122 member-level meetings and 173 senior staff-level meetings. Volunteers reported back positive and insightful conversations with their lawmakers that yielded increased support for and co-sponsorship of our priority issues.

    Advocates urged their lawmakers to: 

    • Support the highest possible increases for cancer research and prevention in the FY26 funding bill:
      - $51.3 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including $7.934 billion for cancer research at the National Cancer Institute (NCI)
      - $1.5 billion for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)
      - $472.4 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cancer programs, including $230 million for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
    • Support final passage of the bipartisan, bicameral Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act (H.R. 842/S. 339)
    • Ensure a pathway to extend the Affordable Care Act's enhanced health care tax credits, which are set to expire at the end of 2025. These credits currently make health insurance more affordable for millions of Americans.

    We're proud to report 309 House cosponsors and 62 Senate cosponsors of MCED, with 14 new House cosponsors added over the past week thanks to the advocacy of our volunteers. MCED is now the second most supported bill in Congress and the most supported bill in the House!

    Additionally, on Wednesday, the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act passed the House Ways and Means Committee with a unanimous vote: 43 to 0. That kind of bipartisan support shows the power of our advocacy. From the moment the hearing began, members of Congress acknowledged the sea of ACS CAN blue shirts in the room. Volunteers were thanked publicly for showing up, and their presence was credited with helping drive momentum for the bill.

    On Thursday morning, the House Energy & Commerce Committee held a hearing on the legislation. Once again, ACS CAN volunteers were present in force as Members continued to express strong support for the bill, reinforcing the urgency and bipartisan momentum behind it.

    As part of LS&LD, we hosted a moving outdoor convening on Capitol Hill, where patients, survivors, and advocates came together to share their personal stories and call for action. ACS CAN volunteer Teresa Simpson delivered a powerful message: “When my current chemo is no longer effective, my next treatment will be a trial. I pray there is one for me. This is not a partisan issue. Cancer touches all of us." Her words, alongside remarks from several members of Congress, highlighted the urgent need to protect access to cancer cures and the critical role lawmakers play in making that possible.

    Lights of Hope 2025

    Our Lights of Hope display on the National Mall included 10,000 decorated bags honoring or remembering loved ones impacted by cancer, as well as 53, 7-ft story columns highlighting one story from each state or territory. Although the rain returned this year, it could not wash away the spirit of the hundreds of advocates and supporters who joined us to view the beautiful display at Constitution Gardens. Nationwide, we displayed nearly 85,000 Lights of Hope in front yards, public parks and state capitol events across the country. I highly encourage you to scroll through the many beautiful images shared by volunteers on social media with #LightsofHope. 

    Volunteer fundraising in 2025 has exceeded $900,000 and continues to grow, including over $875,000 from Lights of Hope. Nationwide, there are more than 280 local sponsors supporting Lights of Hope. Special thank you to our State Premier sponsors, Baptist Health Cancer Care, Bruce Waldholtz, MD, California Leadership Council, CARTI, Colorado CEO's Against Cancer Chapter, Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, Dr. Omar Rashid, MD, JD, LLC, Ergon, Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute, GRAIL, Maryland/District of Columbia Society of Clinical Oncology, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, Richard Deming, MD, and The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. There is still time to support Lights of Hope!

    Thank you to every volunteer, colleague and partner who made this moving, impactful event a reality.

    Day 4 Celebration Close Out

    Wednesday morning allowed us to reflect on our Hill Day, celebrate our impact, and boldly face the work ahead. We honored our two state NDAA recipients for their strong leadership in the fight to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

    New Jersey State Senator Troy Singleton (D) was recognized for his commitment to improving access to cancer treatments. He authored a state law to expand insurance coverage for breast cancer, allowing for affordable early-detection screenings.

    Montana State Senator Willis Curdy (D) was recognized for his stalwart defense against unhealthy and unsafe habits in his state. His dedication resulted in the strengthening of the Clean Indoor Air Act, protecting Montana from the dangers of secondhand aerosols in public spaces.

    We also celebrated the work of this year's two Judicial Advocacy Initiative (JAI) Award recipients! The JAI Award recognizes attorneys for their contribution of outstanding legal services to the ACS CAN mission.

    • Thomas W. Curvin, of Eversheds Sutherlands. Tom dedicated his time to advocating for the civil rights of Medicaid beneficiaries at the Supreme Court of the US in two different cases with two separate amicus briefs. He also helped defend the patient protection provisions of the No Surprises Act at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
    • Seth W. Lloyd, of Morrison Foerster. Seth's legal work advocated for broad protections against discrimination for LGBTQ+ individuals in health care services under the Affordable Care Act in five different amicus briefs in five separate cases filed in circuit courts across the nation.

    The celebrations continued as Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, Chair of the ACS CAN Board of Directors, recognized top volunteer fundraisers, including the top ten Lights of Hope fundraisers who collectively raised $238,491.

    We concluded LS&LD with keynote speaker Jesse Solomon from Bravo's hit reality television show “Summer House." He shared his own experience of receiving an unexpected cancer diagnosis, and his refusal to let fear stop him from pursuing dreams ever since.

    Amplifying Our Advocacy

    In conjunction with LS&LD Day, ACS CAN launched a Washington Post advertisement and roving billboard as part of our ongoing “Protect Cancer Cures" campaign, aimed at pushing forward FY26 federal funding priorities by advocating against cuts to cancer research.

    Media coverage for Lights of Hope and LS&LD featured volunteers sharing what the event meant to them and highlights of their time in DC. Thirty-six volunteers participated in interviews in the lead up to and on Lobby Day through our radio and TV media tour and additional pitching, which included national and regional media outlets, as well as several multicultural media outlets serving Spanish-speaking and Black communities. To date, 41 interviews of ACS CAN volunteers and staff contributed to a total of 323 media clips placed in media markets around the country, with many of them in our priority districts. We look forward to seeing additional letters to the editor and post-event articles appear in volunteers' local media outlets as a follow-up to their successful lobby day.

    Attendees also amplified our efforts across social media, with nearly 1,000 posts using the hashtags #CancerLobbyDay, #LightsOfHope and #ProtectCancerCures, more than 35,000 engagements (likes, shares, comments) and 1.1 million accounts reached, totaling an absolute reach of 4.6 million impressions and counting!

    Lawmakers and national organizations across the country also amplified our efforts, including Senator Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Representatives George Whitesides (D-CA) and Craig Goldman (R-TX), just to name a few.

    Together, we can keep this momentum going in our work to end cancer as we know it, for everyone!

    Advocacy In the News

    Cancer Health: Hundreds of Cancer Advocates Gather in DC to Urge Congress to Sustain Vital Research and Prevention Funding

    Nexstar: Cancer survivors, advocates rally for research funding on Capitol Hill

    NBC Washington: Group Calls on Lawmakers for Cancer Research Funding: Interview of ACS CAN President Lisa Lacasse

    Spectrum News: Advocates, Volunteers Take Fight to Fund Cancer Research to Nation's Capital

    WDAY ABC North Dakota: Extending the ACA Tax credit: Interviews of Volunteer Eniola Soetan and Government Relations Dir. Ben Hanson

  • Two former ACS grantees among 2025 Lasker Award winners

    ​The Discovery Pillar is proud to highlight the Lasker Foundation's recent announcement of the 2025 Lasker Award winners in basic research, clinical research, special achievement, and public service. Two former ACS grantees were among this year's awardees.

    • Steven L. McKnight at the University of Texas Southwestern won the 2025 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award for his work on structures and functions of low-complexity domains (shared award with Dr. Dirk Görlich). This basic research uncovered unique properties of certain proteins that may contribute to certain disease pathologies. He held an ACS Faculty Research Award from 1984 to 1989 at the Carnegie Institute of Washington in Baltimore, MD.
    • Lucy Shapiro at Stanford University won the 2025 Lasker~Koshland Special Achievement Award in Medical Science for her pioneering approach to bacterial cell biology and national leadership, sounding an early alarm on the emerging threat of antibiotic resistance. She received an early career grant from ACS from 1968 to 1976 at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and several additional ACS grants between 1988 and 1994 at Stanford. Dr. Shapiro has also been a mentor on at least four other ACS grants, including two postdoctoral fellows, extending her legacy.

    The Lasker Awards program was created in 1945 by Albert and Mary Lasker to spotlight fundamental biological research discoveries and clinical advances that improve human health and to draw attention to the importance of public support of science. The Lasker Awards are among the highest honors given in science and often serve as a precursor to winning a Nobel Prize. The public service award is given every other year and will next be offered in 2026.

  • September Advocacy Update

    A message from ACS CAN President Lisa Lacasse

    I'm thrilled to start this monthly update by noting that ACS CAN's Leadership Summit and Lobby Day (LS&LD) is less than two weeks away, from September 14 to 17. We are looking forward to welcoming nearly 750 advocates from across the country to Washington, D.C. for four days filled with training, celebrations and all-important advocacy in the fight against cancer.

    LS&LD brings together our nationwide volunteer network to strengthen our advocates' ability to influence lawmakers and deepen their understanding of ACS CAN's crucial federal policy priorities. It also builds momentum for ACS CAN's legislative agenda, culminating in Lobby Day, when volunteers will visit every office of every member of Congress to elevate our key asks.

    This year, our priorities include:

    • Supporting the highest possible funding increases for cancer research and prevention in the FY26 funding bill:
      - $51.3 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including $7.934 billion for cancer research at the National Cancer Institute (NCI)
      - $1.5 billion for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)
      - $472.4 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cancer programs, including $230 million for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
    • Supporting final passage of the bipartisan, bicameral Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act (H.R. 842/S. 339)
    • Advocating for a pathway to extend the Affordable Care Act's enhanced health care tax credits, which are set to expire at the end of 2025. These credits currently make health insurance more affordable for millions of Americans.

    LS&LD kicks off on Sunday, September 14, offering participants the chance to explore Affinity Row, a gathering that celebrates the impact of ACS CAN volunteer groups across communities and builds connections between advocates. This year, we're introducing a self-care workshop, "Practical Strategies for Tending to Self in Advocacy," along with a rejuvenation space for attendees to relax and recharge. On Sunday evening, we will proudly honor outstanding volunteers and colleagues at the National Advocacy Leadership Awards Dinner.

    Monday features our Leadership Summit, a full day of keynotes, general sessions and breakout workshops to prepare advocates for Hill visits. That evening, we'll gather for the CAN Opener, our annual dinner and dancing fundraiser. If you haven't purchased your ticket yet, you can do so here.

    Tuesday is Lobby Day, a prime opportunity for our volunteers to make an impact on the Hill. Hundreds of attendees will head to offices to meet with lawmakers and elevate our cancer priorities. In addition to Hill meetings, we will gather for a powerful event, "Patients Coming Together to Protect Cancer Cures," where advocates will urge Congress to prioritize sustained federal investment in lifesaving cancer research and prevention.

    On Tuesday evening, we'll gather at Constitution Gardens on the National Mall for our Lights of Hope ceremony, honoring and remembering loved ones impacted by cancer.

    During LS&LD, ACS CAN will also recognize a select group of lawmakers for their exceptional contributions to the fight against cancer. These honorees have shown outstanding leadership in advancing cancer-related public policy, expanding access to care and supporting research and prevention efforts. The National Distinguished Advocacy Award, ACS CAN's most prestigious honor, will be awarded to:

    • Representative Diana DeGette (D–CO) 
    • Senator Thom Tillis (R–NC) 
    • Montana State Senator Willis Curdy (D–MT) 
    • New Jersey State Senator Troy Singleton (D–NJ) 

    I invite you to follow along and amplify the event on social media using #CancerLobbyDay and #LightsOfHope. I look forward to sharing highlights in a Special Edition Advocacy Update and to seeing all who are attending in D.C. very soon.

    Thank you for your relentless advocacy!
    Lisa

    Exciting News for Lobby Day!

    ACS CAN is launching a powerful new website that highlights the personal stories of those impacted by cancer research and the consequences of funding cuts. Please be on the lookout for its release across ACS CAN social media channels next week.

    To amplify our message during Lobby Day, ACS CAN will also feature a prominent ad in The Washington Post and deploy a mobile billboard around Capitol Hill. The message to Congress is clear and urgent: Fund Research. Fund Cures. Fight Cancer.

    If you know of someone who has been impacted by recent cuts to cancer research (for example, a researcher who lost their NCI funding or a patient whose clinical trial was paused), please encourage them to share their story by completing this form.

    Federal Updates

    In July, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed its version of the FY2026 Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS) spending bill. The bill includes increases for cancer research at NIH and NCI. It also funds ARPA-H and CDC cancer prevention programs at the same level as this year. Specifically, the House bill includes $48.7 billion for NIH, a $400 million increase from FY2025 levels, including $7.374 billion for the NCI, a $150 million increase over FY2025 levels.

    Just this week, the House Appropriations Subcommittee released its Labor-HHS spending bill, which proposes to fund the NIH at $48 billion, which is a slight decrease from FY25 funding, but includes $7.272 billion for the NCI, which is a $48 million increase over last year's funding bill.

    However, the House bill also includes a $450 million cut in disease prevention programming from the CDC, elimination of $247 million for Tobacco Prevention and Control, and a $555 million cut for ARPA-H.

    The current fiscal year ends on September 30, and members of Congress have until then to extend the current funding levels or develop new ones.

    ACS CAN recently joined more than 100 organizations in sending a letter to Congress in strong support of the Clinical Trial Modernization Act (H.R. 3521), introduced in May 2025 by Reps. Raul Ruiz (D-CA) and August Pfluger (R-FL).

    This bipartisan legislation aims to remove key barriers that prevent patients from participating in clinical trials, including out-of-pocket costs and the burden of traveling long distances to trial sites. These challenges are among the most common reasons why patients, especially those in rural or underserved communities, are unable to access potentially lifesaving clinical research.

    Clinical trials are vital to advancing new cancer treatments and improving outcomes for people facing serious and life-threatening illnesses. By addressing financial and geographic obstacles, this bill would help make clinical trials more accessible, equitable and inclusive.

    ACS CAN and our partners are urging Congress to pass this critical legislation to ensure that all patients have the opportunity to benefit from the latest advancements in care.

    Read our full release.

    Judicial Updates

    States have recently brought lawsuits against the administration in areas that affect the ACS CAN mission. ACS CAN engaged by filing amicus curiae or "friend of the court" briefs in two of those cases in August.

    • New York v. Kennedy – 20 states and D.C. sued the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and sub-agencies after the March 27 Directive resulted in major reductions in force (RIFs), cutting more than 10,000 jobs as part of a major restructuring that will impact operations at the CDC, NIH, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The states claim they are losing critical services due to the cuts, and a U.S. district judge put the RIFs on hold. The administration is appealing this decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit on an emergency basis. ACS CAN and other public health groups' amicus provided background to the court on the devastating effects of tobacco products on health, how the challenged restructuring defies the agency's statutory obligations to prevent tobacco-related disease and mortality, and why the RIFs are "arbitrary and capricious" in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act, with emphasis on the work of the Office of Smoking (OSH) at CDC and the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) at FDA.
    • California et al v. Kennedy – Our amicus brief opposed the new Market Place Integrity Rule which changes regulations implementing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in a manner that will result in loss of insurance coverage for at least 1.8 million people. Our brief provided scientific studies demonstrating how access to comprehensive, affordable health insurance saves lives, as well as providing profiles of individual patients who would lose coverage under the new rule.

    Policy Update

    A new ACS CAN study revealed that while pharmacogenomic testing can help tailor cancer treatment to individual patients, many are not receiving these potentially lifesaving tests. The findings underscore the need for policy solutions that ensure equitable access to precision medicine. This research was part of ACS CAN's Survivor Views program, which elevates the voices of patients with cancer.

    State Updates

    The ACS CAN Pennsylvania team hosted a press conference in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, bringing together cancer survivors, researchers and representatives from each of the comprehensive cancer centers in the state to call on Congress to fund progress and protect cancer cures. The press conference received prominent media attention.

    In Case You Missed It

    Lights of Hope 2025 fundraisers have been hard at work around the country. For those new to ACS CAN, each Light of Hope represents a loved one's cancer story—a survivor, someone in treatment, someone who passed from cancer, or a cancer caregiver. This event serves as a visual reminder to all elected officials of the strength of our collective voice and our role in the fight against cancer, as well as a critical fundraiser for ACS CAN's public policy advocacy agenda. We are grateful to every volunteer participating!

    You can still get involved by raising funds and donating to Lights of Hope.

    Advocacy In the News

    • AP News: Researchers forecast what Trump's bill will mean for patients: Debt and delayed care
    • U.S. News & World Report: Weather Disasters Pose Immediate Threat To U.S. Drug Supply
    • Roll Call: Budget maneuvers expected to reduce NIH funding opportunities
    • The Lancet: Concerns over future of U.S. health advisory panel under RFK Jr
    • Cancer Health: Billboards Send Clear Message About Cancer Research Funding
    • Portland Press Herald: Maine must reject cuts to lifesaving cancer research – Opinion (Lisa Lacasse)
    • KYW NewsRadio: Philly cancer survivors and advocates rally for continued cancer research funding amid proposed federal cuts
    • WBRC: Billboards Push to Keep Funding
    • Good Morning Las Vegas: Precision Medicine Changing the Fight Against Cancer

  • ACS NLCRT publishes new practical strategies guidebook

    Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., yet lung cancer screening continues to be underutilized. Primary care providers are the backbone of effective screening programs. They’re often the first touchpoint for patients who may be eligible for screening and play a central role in detecting lung cancer early, when it’s more likely to be treated successfully.

    To help strengthen this critical link in the care continuum, the American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable (ACS NLCRT) released its latest resource, Steps for Increasing Lung Cancer Screening: A Guide for Primary Care Practices.

    This evidence-based, expert-endorsed guide offers practical strategies to help primary care teams strengthen their lung cancer screening efforts. It’s designed to support clinical workflows by addressing common barriers like unclear eligibility, shared decision-making, and follow-up care. The guide walks teams through key steps to:

    • Identify eligible patients using tobacco history documentation.

    • Choose the lung cancer screening model that best fits their practice.

    • Review and refine workflows for shared decision-making, tobacco cessation, and patient education.

    • Use stigma-free, patient-centered language in conversations about lung cancer screening.

    • Navigate insurance, referrals, and incidental findings to get patients screened.

    • Track and improve screening efforts with reminders and performance metrics.

    Sharing the Steps Guide is a great opportunity to spark conversations with  health systems and clinical partners about improving lung cancer screening efforts and to inspire new approaches in ongoing initiatives. 

    Background

    The ACS roundtables are a recommended and proven model for creating sustained partnerships across diverse sectors and communities to address the most complex problems across the cancer continuum collaboratively. ACS provides organizational leadership and expertise to support the roundtables and their members in their efforts to further a shared vision of giving all people an equal opportunity to prevent and survive cancer.
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