A study led by researchers at the American Cancer Society showed Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act was associated with an increase in two-year overall survival rates among patients newly diagnosed with cancer, especially among non-Hispanic Black people and people living in rural areas.
In 1971, the National Cancer Act set the United States on a path to confront one of its most formidable public health challenges. More than five decades later, the progress is undeniable. The latest 2026 report from the American Cancer Society shows continued declines in overall cancer mortality and improvements in survival for many major cancer types. Recent advances in early detection, prevention, and treatment are saving lives.
