A joint presentation of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Connecticut (ACS CAN) and the Connecticut Cancer Partnership (CCP)
Focus of the Forum
Preventive cancer screening remains one of the most powerful and cost-effective tools in reducing cancer mortality, and it plays a critical role in Connecticut’s public health strategy, allowing many cancers to be detected before symptoms develop, often at earlier and more treatable stages. In Connecticut, widespread adoption of evidence-based screening for breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancers has contributed significantly to long-term declines in cancer deaths, with screening and prevention accounting for a substantial share of lives saved over the past several decades.
Despite its proven benefits, however, cancer screening faces persistent challenges, while at the same time, entering a period of rapid innovation. Advances in molecular science and data analytics are opening the door to new approaches that could transform early detection over the next five to ten years. As these innovations move from research into practice, thoughtful policy discussion will be essential to address validation, regulation, reimbursement, and equitable access.
This policy forum will explore the current state of preventive cancer screening in Connecticut, the evidence behind its success, the challenges limiting its full impact, and the emerging technologies that may redefine early detection in the coming decade. By bringing together policymakers, clinicians, researchers, and advocates, the forum aims to examine how science, policy, and health systems can align to ensure that advances in cancer screening translate into meaningful, population- wide improvements in outcomes.
About the Connecticut Cancer Partnership
The Connecticut Cancer Partnership is a statewide coalition working to reduce the burden of cancer through prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship efforts. By bringing together healthcare organizations, public health professionals, researchers, and community partners, the Partnership helps improve cancer outcomes for people across Connecticut.
The Partnership leads the development and implementation of the Connecticut Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan, the state’s roadmap for cancer prevention and control. This plan identifies key priorities and strategies to reduce cancer risk, improve access to screening and care, and support survivors. Through funding opportunities and collaborative projects, the Partnership helps turn these strategies into action.
With more than 150 partner organizations involved, the Partnership serves as a hub for coordination and collaboration. Together, partners work to share resources, promote evidence-based practices, and strengthen cancer prevention and control efforts statewide.
Through this collaborative approach, the partnership supports efforts to reduce cancer risk, detect cancer earlier, improve access to quality treatment, and enhance survivorship and quality of life for Connecticut residents.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
1555 Asylum Ave
West Hartford, 06117
Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures.
We stand with our volunteers—people whose lives have been impacted by cancer—rallying to demand change. Together, we’re working to make cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state, and local levels. By engaging advocates across the country to make their voices heard, ACS CAN influences legislative and regulatory solutions that will end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
Learn MoreFor more than 2 decades, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network has been dedicated to pursing better outcomes for every cancer, every life. Today, more people are surviving cancer than ever before, but there is still work to be done. Join us, support us, and help us end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
Protected and secured $4.8 billion in state appropriations through advocacy to help fund cancer research and programs that reduce the tobacco burden and increase access to screenings.
Held the tobacco industry responsible for decades of public deceit through a requirement for companies to post truthful statements about their deadly products at nearly 220,000 retail outlets nationwide.
Expand insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing in over 20 states and counting.