Legislation Aimed at Eliminating Financial Barriers to Prostate Cancer Screening Introduced in U.S. Congress

Bipartisan legislation would waive prostate cancer screening cost-sharing for high-risk populations and save lives

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening for High-risk Insured Men (PSA Screening for HIM) Act was introduced in the United States House of Representatives by Representatives Neal Dunn, M.D. (R-FL) and Yvette Clarke (D-NY) with Representatives Greg Murphy (R-NC) and Troy Carter (D-LA) as cosponsors.

Last week, Senator John Boozman (R-AR) introduced S. 297, the Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening for High-risk Insured Men (PSA Screening for HIM) Act in the United States Senate, along with Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ).

This bipartisan legislative proposal would waive cost-sharing requirements for men with the highest risk of prostate cancer, focusing on those with a family history of the disease. For men who have a family history of prostate cancer, a diagnosis is twice as likely compared to the average population.

If this bill passes, men at an increased risk of developing prostate cancer would be able to receive prostate cancer screening without deductibles, copayments, or coinsurances.

Broad Support for the PSA Screening for HIM Act

ZERO Prostate Cancer, the American Urological Association (AUA), and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) are ongoing supporters of the bill and have worked to pass legislation at both the state and national levels to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for prostate cancer screening.

"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," said Courtney Bugler, ZERO's President and CEO. "We are thankful to Rep. Dunn and Rep. Clarke for picking up the mantle to reduce these financial barriers that will make early detection more accessible and affordable, ultimately saving lives."

For the high-risk populations included in the legislation, this development could be critical to their likelihood of survival. Early detection is key for positive prostate cancer outcomes: if the disease is caught early, there is a nearly 100% chance of survival. However, when the disease is caught in its advanced stages, the likelihood of survival drops to just 37%.

"The PSA Screening for HIM Act is a vital step toward improving access to life-saving prostate cancer screenings for those at the highest risk," said Mark Edney, MD, chair of the American Urological Association's Public Policy Council. "By removing financial barriers, this legislation will help ensure that prostate cancer is detected early when it is most treatable. The AUA strongly supports this bipartisan effort and commends Congress for prioritizing a policy that will save lives."

This legislation is one of the many ways ZERO, the AUA, and ACS CAN are engaged in combating the longstanding health inequities within prostate cancer. Black men in the U.S. have among the highest documented prostate cancer incidence rates in the world with 1 in 6 expected to be diagnosed during their lifetime, Black men are also more than twice as likely to die from the disease as White men.

"The PSA Screening for HIM Act would eliminate a significant hurdle that keeps far too many at high risk for prostate cancer from getting tested for the disease," said Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, interim chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. "We thank Reps. Dunn and Clarke for introducing this bill and look forward to working with them to get it passed."

State-Level Efforts Complement Federal Legislation

In addition to legislation at the federal level, ZERO, AUA, and ACS CAN are also working to increase access to prostate cancer screenings at the state level. Nine states currently guarantee coverage of prostate cancer screening without copays or other cost-sharing. Most recently, bills were passed in Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C.  

For more information on advocacy efforts regarding prostate cancer across the nation, visit zerocancer.org/advocacy.

About ZERO Prostate Cancer:
ZERO Prostate Cancer (ZERO) is on a mission to improve and save lives from prostate cancer through advocacy, awareness, education, and support. Formerly known as the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, ZERO was founded in 1996 to stand up for people impacted by prostate cancer. Today, ZERO serves as the nation's leading prostate cancer organization, advancing a future where prostate cancer detection is early, support is unwavering, and care is accessible to all. For almost 30 years, ZERO has led the way in prostate cancer advocacy, screenings, and partnerships, successfully unlocking funding toward breakthrough discoveries, treatments, and lifesaving access to care.

As the #1 provider of prostate cancer programs and resources, ZERO support groups and patient programs across the U.S. serve thousands of patients. ZERO's urgent focus on health equity and education—addressing disparities in diagnosis, care, and treatment—is helping to bring renewed attention to the importance of supporting those most likely to be impacted by the disease. Learn more at ZEROcancer.org

About the American Urological Association:
Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is a leading advocate for the specialty of urology and has nearly 24,000 members throughout the world. The AUA is a premier urologic association, providing invaluable support to the urologic community as it pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care through education, research and the formulation of health policy.

About ACS CAN:
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. 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, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation's capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.

SOURCE ZERO Prostate Cancer