Proposed Legislation to Enhance Access to Prostate Cancer Screening for High-Risk Groups in the U.S.

Proposed Prostate Cancer Screening Legislation in the U.S.

On February 14, 2025, a significant legislative proposal was presented in the U.S. Congress aimed at increasing access to prostate cancer screening. Named the Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening for High-risk Insured Men (PSA Screening for HIM) Act, this bill seeks to remove cost-sharing barriers for men deemed high-risk for prostate cancer, most notably those with a family history of the disease.

Bipartisan Support for Health Equity

Representatives Neal Dunn, M.D. (R-FL) and Yvette Clarke (D-NY) spearheaded the introduction of this proposal in the House, with Representatives Greg Murphy (R-NC) and Troy Carter (D-LA) joining them as co-sponsors. This act is supported by a similar bill introduced by Senator John Boozman (R-AR) in the Senate, along with Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ).

The bill highlights a stark reality: men with a familial history of prostate cancer have double the risk of being diagnosed compared to the general population. By waiving deductibles, copayments, and coinsurances, the legislation hopes to ease access to necessary screenings for those at the greatest risk, potentially saving countless lives.

Importance of Early Detection

Early detection of prostate cancer can radically change outcomes for patients. Statistics reveal that survival rates are nearly 100% when the cancer is diagnosed early. In stark contrast, the chances of survival decrease drastically if the disease progresses to an advanced stage, with rates plummeting to around 37%.

This initiative is critical for enhancing healthcare access, especially among African American men, who have some of the highest prostate cancer incidence rates globally. The statistics are alarming: one in six Black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and they are more than twice as likely to die from the condition compared to their white counterparts.

Broad Support and Advocacy

Organizations such as ZERO Prostate Cancer, the American Urological Association (AUA), and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) are heavily backing the PSA Screening for HIM Act. These organizations are committed to eliminating out-of-pocket expenses for prostate cancer screenings, thus addressing the longstanding health disparities in cancer care.

Courtney Bugler, President and CEO of ZERO Prostate Cancer, emphasized the organization's dedication to improving access to these vital health services. She remarked, "For ZERO and our partners, it has always been about increasing access to life-saving prostate cancer screenings, and the PSA for HIM ACT does just that."

The intent is clear: to ensure that financial concerns do not hinder access to preventive screenings that can lead to early diagnosis and successful treatment.

Complementary State-Level Efforts

The push for better access isn't limited to federal legislation. ZERO, along with AUA and ACS CAN, is also focused on enhancing accessibility at the state level. Currently, nine states have passed laws guaranteeing coverage for prostate cancer screenings without copays or other financial barriers. Recent legislation in Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C., exemplifies these initiatives.

Conclusion

The proposed PSA Screening for HIM Act is a pivotal step towards improving health equity and access to life-saving screenings for prostate cancer. By removing financial barriers, the legislation aims to significantly boost early detection rates – a change that could transform the landscape of prostate cancer treatment and survivorship in America. For ongoing advocacy efforts and more information, please visit ZERO Prostate Cancer.

This legislation represents more than just policy; it's a commitment to public health and the well-being of communities affected by prostate cancer. As the discussions progress, advocates hope this bill will pave the way toward comprehensive healthcare access for all individuals, particularly those at heightened risk.