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Passage of budget bill will terminate health coverage for millions, including cancer patients and survivors

Following Senate passage two days prior, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a budget bill by a vote of 218 to 214 that contains the most devastating cuts to Medicaid in history and changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace that will make it more difficult and expensive to obtain and keep health insurance coverage. This reconciliation bill, which will soon be signed into law, is projected to cut more than $1 trillion from Medicaid and cause nearly 12 million people to become uninsured, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO). 

Meanwhile, an additional 4.2 million more people are projected to become uninsured if Congress doesn’t act to extend the enhanced ACA tax credits before they expire at the end of the year. The budget bill’s deep cuts to Medicaid make it even more critical for Congress to extend the enhanced tax credits that help people afford coverage. 

Following the House vote, Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), released the following statement, expressing deep disappointment and urging Congress to extend the enhanced ACA tax credits:  

“Despite countless warnings that this bill will rip health coverage away from nearly 12 million people, including cancer patients and survivors, a majority in Congress voted for this unprecedented attack on access to health care. Terminating health coverage for cancer patients means delaying or even ending treatment. For others, it will mean putting off lifesaving cancer screenings, ultimately leading to later stage diagnoses when the disease is harder to treat and survive. No one is safe from the life-threatening consequences of this bill. 

“The passage of this bill will undo decades of progress in the fight against cancer. Research has clearly shown that having health insurance is one of the most important factors in better cancer outcomes, and millions nationwide will now lose the only affordable health insurance coverage available. 

“To avoid further coverage loss in 2026, Congress must take action now to extend the enhanced ACA tax credits that help people afford comprehensive health coverage on the Marketplace. Failing to extend these tax credits before they expire at the end of the year would pull the rug out from under millions more people, including cancer patients and survivors, leaving them with no quality, affordable health care options. Without access to the care needed to get well and stay well, people will live sicker and die sooner.” 

  • The new edition of Cancer Atlas released

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

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

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

    Additional highlights from the report include: 

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

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

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

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

  • Study finds Medicaid expansion increased Medicaid coverage, early-stage cancer diagnosis and survival among adults 65 and older

    new study by researchers at ACS shows Medicaid expansion was associated with an increase in Medicaid coverage, early-stage cancer diagnoses, and improved two-year survival among patients diagnosed with cancer aged 65 years and older. The findings were presented at this year’s American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago.

    In the report, led by Kewei Sylvia Shi, MPH, associate scientist, health services research at ACS, researchers identified patients 65 years or older using the National Cancer Database. They analyzed data of newly diagnosed patients with cancer between 2010 and 2022 residing in areas with a median household income below 200% of the federal poverty level. Researchers applied a quasi-experimental difference-in-differences design, with multivariable linear probability models, to compare the changes in the percentage of dual-eligible or Medicaid-only coverage, early stage at diagnosis, and two-year survival post (vs. pre) Medicaid expansion in expansion states compared with non-expansion states.

    Study results included a total of 1,461,540 patients with cancer, with 881,692 patients from expansion states and 579,848 patients from non-expansion states. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, the percentage of patients with dual or Medicaid-only coverage increased from 10.3% to 11.3% in expansion states and decreased from 9.4% to 8.1% in non-expansion states, resulting in a net increase of 1.25 percentage points associated with Medicaid expansion. Differences were more pronounced among patients over 85 years, females, non-Hispanic Black, metropolitan residents, and those with comorbidities.

    Early-stage (0,I,II) cancer diagnoses decreased more in non-expansion states (55.6% to 53.1%) than in expansion states (53.5% to 51.9%), resulting in a net 1.00 percentage points increase. The protective effects of Medicaid expansion were stronger for lung and bronchus and oral cavity and pharynx cancers.

    Two-year overall survival rates increased from 58.8% to 62.4% in expansion states and from 59.2% to 62.5% in non-expansion states, leading to a net benefit of 0.77 percentage points. Improvements were most notable for stage IV, lung and bronchus, kidney, and bladder cancers.

    Researchers stress these findings underscore the spillover benefits of Medicaid expansion in supporting low-income elderly populations and the importance of indirect benefits when evaluating Medicaid expansion’s broader impact.

  • County-level medical debt associated with delays in cancer treatment among newly diagnosed

    ​A new study by researchers at ACS shows that a higher county-level share of medical debt in collections was associated with delays in treatment initiation among individuals newly diagnosed with cancer. The findings were presented at this year’s American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago.

    In the report, led by Dr. Jingxuan Zhao, senior scientist, health services research at ACS, researchers identified adults aged 19 years and older who were newly diagnosed with cancer from 2012 to 2021. They used the Colorado Central Cancer Registry linked to the Colorado All-Payer Claims Database, which was combined with information on county-level share of adults with medical debt in collections. Scientists examined the associations of county-level medical debt and receipt of any treatment within 90 days after cancer diagnosis overall and by selected cancer sites (acute leukemias, lymphomas, breast, colorectal, and lung cancers) and health insurance coverage, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics.

    The study showed that, among 35,789 individuals newly diagnosed with cancer, individuals living in counties with a higher share of adults with medical debt in collections had a lower likelihood of initiating treatment within 90 days after diagnosis compared to those living in counties with a lower share of adults with medical debt. When stratified by cancer site, higher county-level medical debt was associated with a lower likelihood of timely treatment initiation among individuals diagnosed with breast and colorectal cancers. When stratified by health insurance, higher county-level medical debt was associated with a lower likelihood of timely treatment initiation among individuals aged 19-64 years with coverage through private health maintenance organization plans and Medicaid.

    Researchers stress policies aimed at preventing and alleviating medical debt could be effective strategies for improving access to timely cancer treatment.

  • Study shows that pre-diagnosis adverse financial events increase cancer mortality risk

    new study by ACS researchers shows court-documented adverse financial events (AFEs) of pre-diagnosis bankruptcy, lien, or eviction were associated with increased risk of all-cause and cancer-specific mortality for multiple cancer types. The findings underscore lasting adverse consequences of patient financial vulnerability prior to incurring high out-of-pocket costs of cancer treatment. The data was presented at this year’s American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago.

    In the study, led by Dr. Robin Yabroff, scientific vice president, health services research at ACS, researchers analyzed records of adults aged 21 to 69 years diagnosed with common cancer types, including bladder, female breast, colorectal, kidney, lung and bronchus, oral cavity/pharynx, or prostate cancers or melanoma during 2014-2015. The individuals were identified from the SEER population-based registries for Seattle, Louisiana, and Georgia. Registry data was linked with LexisNexis consumer data to identify history of court-documented AFEs of bankruptcies, liens, and evictions. Vital status and cause of death were examined through December 31, 2021.

    Study results showed that of 58,796 individuals diagnosed with one of the eight selected cancers, 21,694 (36.9%) had a pre-diagnosis AFE, and there were 16,714 deaths (28.4%) during the study period. Pre-diagnosis AFEs were associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality for individuals diagnosed with female breast, colorectal, oral cavity/pharynx, and prostate cancer and early- and late-stage melanoma, in adjusted models. Pre-diagnosis AFEs were also associated with a significantly higher risk of cancer-specific mortality for these five cancers.

    Researchers stress that the findings are especially timely, with growing efforts by health care providers to screen and address patient health-related social needs as part of comprehensive oncology care.​

  • Study finds Medicaid expansion improves cancer survival among people in rural and high-poverty communities

    ​A new study by researchers at ACS shows Medicaid expansion significantly improved 5-year cause-specific cancer survival and overall survival among people residing in rural and high-poverty communities. The findings were presented at this year's American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago.

    In the report, led by Elizabeth Schafer, MPH, associate scientist, surveillance and health equity science at the ACS, researchers analyzed all tumors diagnosed during 2007-2008 (pre-Medicaid expansion) and 2014-2015 (post-Medicaid expansion).

    Study results included a total of 1,423,983 cancer cases diagnosed between 2007 and 2008 and 2014 and 2015 in Medicaid expansion and non-expansion states. For all cancers combined, the non-significant adjusted net increase in 5-year cause-specific cancer survival associated with Medicaid expansion was 0.08 percentage point. By sociodemographic factors, the improvements in cause-specific survival were greater in expansion states among individuals residing in rural and in high-poverty communities, among non-Hispanic White individuals, American Indian/Alaska Native, and non-Hispanic Black individuals, though not statistically significant for the latter two populations. Similarly, the net gains in 5-year overall survival in expansion states were statistically significant among non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White individuals, and among individuals residing in rural and high-poverty areas.

    Researchers stress improvements in long-term survival, especially among high-poverty and rural communities, underscore the importance of maintaining Medicaid expansion and further expanding in the 10 remaining states to broadly cover low-income adults and help reduce disparities in cancer survival outcomes.

  • More evidence links physical activity with improved cancer survival, study finds

    ​​A new large analysis led by ACS researchers shows engaging in leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) after a cancer diagnosis improves survival for people with different cancer types, including bladder, breast, colon, endometrial, kidney, lung, oral, prostate, rectal, and respiratory cancer. 

    “The effects of cancer treatment can wear you down physically and mentally,” said Dr. Erika Rees-Punia, senior principal scientist, population science research at ACS and lead author of the study. “This can make exercise feel like a daunting task, but doing some exercise is better than doing none. Finding an exercise that you enjoy or exercising with a friend can make it more approachable.”

    This is the first longitudinal study of the relationships between postdiagnosis physical activity and overall mortality in bladder and oral cavity cancer survivors and is the largest study to quantify associations within survivors of endometrial, kidney, and lung cancer. The findings were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI).

    “For decades, it’s been known that consistent exercise can help people live healthier lives,” Rees-Punia added. “Our findings bring more critical evidence that being physically active after a cancer diagnosis can have a meaningful impact on your likelihood of survival.”

    Other ACS researchers contributing to the study include Dr. Lauren TerasChristina NewtonDr. Lauren Bates-FraserDen E Bloodworth, and senior author Dr. Alpa Patel.

  • Teaming up for cancer patients

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

    Philadelphia, PA (pictured above, top right)

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

    Boston, MA (pictured above, top left)

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

    Tampa, FL (pictured above, middle left)

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

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

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

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

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

  • June Advocacy Update

    ​A message from ACS CAN President Lisa Lacasse

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Highlights

    Pride Month Celebrations​

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Federal Updates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Judicial Updates:

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

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

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

    ​Policy Update:

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

    State Updates:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Advocacy In the News

    Protect Medicaid:

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

    Protect Research:

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

    Other

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

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