ATLANTA — The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the National Football League (NFL) emphasize the significance of early detection through the Crucial Catch initiative, which has facilitated over 840,000 cancer screenings and impacted more than 1.9 million lives since 2012. The program aims to bridge access gaps in NFL markets and provide resources for screenings in underserved communities.
In announcing the 2025 recipients of its CHANGE grants, ACS noted that 64 projects will be funded this year, aimed at expanding access to breast, cervical, colorectal, lung and prostate cancer screenings. In 2024, Crucial Catch projects operated across 281 clinic sites in 33 health systems, reaching more than 183,000 eligible patients and helping diagnose 1,466 cancers, while increasing 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 Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer at the American Cancer Society. “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.”
Anna Isaacson, the NFL’s senior vice president of social responsibility, added: “For over 15 years, our collective impact through Crucial Catch has reached millions of fans by helping them understand the importance of early detection. Through our partnership with the American Cancer Society, the NFL is able to address disparities by lowering barriers for screenings through education, patient navigation, screening reminders, and other resources.”
The NFL has raised $35 million for ACS since 2009 through Crucial Catch-branded merchandise, auctions and fundraising efforts. This year’s Crucial Catch games, scheduled for Weeks 4 through 6 of the season, will feature in-stadium activations, including game balls, field-wall banners, goal post wraps, and branded on-field equipment, to bring visibility to the campaign.
Pharmaceutical company Novartis, an official Crucial Catch partner, will further extend the program’s reach by donating $5 million to ACS over the next five years to support expanded education and screening in underserved communities. Additionally, 19 NFL players serving as Crucial Catch ambassadors will promote the program through appearances, fundraising, and awareness campaigns.
More than 130 ACS-funded projects nationwide focus on improving screening rates in high-need communities. Fans can visit NFL.com/CrucialCatch for local cancer screening resources and guidance on reducing their risk of cancer.
