Insurance coverage—or lack thereof—is often a barrier for patients seeking cancer treatment. Recognizing the importance of insurance coverage to health equity, several states have begun to mandate expanded coverage to address various facets of cancer care.

Federal grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) support cancer research in every state, accelerating discoveries in prevention, early detection, treatment, and care.
 

Taking note of the positive impact of cancer research funding for patients as well as its role in job creation and economic growth, many states have created their own funding initiatives to support biomedical research.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) provides grants to state cancer centers and universities, enabling these institutions to fund innovative research. Below are some recent success stories of NCI-funded projects at AACI cancer centers.

The National Cancer Institute defines cancer prevention simply as “action taken to lower the risk of getting cancer.” Prevention activities may include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding exposure to known carcinogens, testing for genetic predispositions to certain cancers, and taking preventive medicines or vaccines. Equally important is cancer screening, which allows for early detection and better outcomes.

The field of bioethics focuses on the ethical considerations surrounding medical research, treatment, and care. Cancer bioethics specifically poses questions about the use of new technologies in cancer treatment, the allocation of limited resources, and the ethical implications of genetic testing for cancer risk. The goal of bioethics is to ensure that advancements in cancer care take patient well-being, informed consent, and equitable access to care into consideration.

Cellular therapies involve the use of cells to treat or prevent diseases. These therapies harness the unique properties of different types of cells to restore, repair, or replace damaged tissues or cells within the body. There are various types of cellular therapies, each with a specific application. With the rapidly changing science and innovation around these treatments and cures, some states have taken the lead on fostering a stronger environment for innovation.

In June 2023 Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards signed into law a new bill aimed at broadening Medicaid coverage for chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T) therapy.

The Cancer Patients’ Bill of Rights is a first-of-its-kind measure outlining the rights that every patient with cancer deserves, including access to specialists, clinical trials, and innovative new treatments.

Over 33,000 cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV)—including oropharyngeal, cervical, anal, vulvar, penile, and vaginal cancers—are diagnosed annually among men and women in the United States alone.

Through gender-neutral vaccination and evidence-based screening and treatment, the U.S. is poised to eliminate cervical cancer, with other HPV-related cancers to follow.

Gender-neutral vaccination of children, aged 11-12, has been proven effective in preventing HPV and related cancers, including oropharyngeal, cervical, anal, vulvar, penile, and vaginal cancers.

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) strains cause the majority of oropharyngeal (throat), cervical, anal, vulvar, penile, and vaginal cancers. Over 33,000 cancers caused by HPV are diagnosed annually among men and women in the United States alone.

Recommendations from trusted health care providers are one of the most effective interventions for preventing HPV infection and HPV-related cancers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death. Tobacco-related diseases, including lung cancer, are responsible for 480,000 deaths each year in the United States.

Many states are raising the age to purchase tobacco products to 21, but the widespread availability of vaping products and their popularity among young people present new challenges to legislators.

Armed with the knowledge that tobacco-related diseases, including lung cancer, are responsible for 480,000 deaths each year in the United States, many states are raising the age to purchase tobacco products to 21 to curb youth tobacco use and diminish long-term health effects.

2019 was a landmark year in the longstanding effort to federally raise the age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21. The movement’s origins can be traced to 1996 when the Preventing Tobacco Addiction Foundation was established with the goal of reducing the toll of smoking and tobacco through preventive efforts.

Scientific evidence has shown negative effects of electronic cigarette flavoring agents on the lungs, and deaths have been reported. The widespread availability of vaping products and their popularity among young people present new challenges to legislators and public health advocates.

Recognizing the pervasive health effects of both combustible tobacco and vaping products, some states have proposed legislation that broadly addresses tobacco-related public health issues.

Clinical trials are the bedrock of discovery for promising cancer treatments, and even cures. Without proper access for underrepresented populations, health care disparities persist. Recognizing this, some states have taken action to toward coverage of routine care during clinical trials for all.

Research has shown that patients with cancer and cancer survivors are at increased risk of severe illness and death if they are infected with COVID-19. In several states, AACI cancer centers are leading an effort to prioritize these vulnerable populations for the COVID-19 vaccine.

In 2007, the State of Kansas established a budget line item of $5 million per year in support of The University of Kansas Cancer Center’s goal of obtaining National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation. This funding played an essential role in the cancer center’s NCI designation in 2012, and supports cancer research, education, and outreach.