The Delaware legislature has passed HS 1 of HB 302, becoming just the 8th state to take action to enhance coverage of prostate cancer screenings for high-risk men. The bill would eliminate cost-sharing for these lifesaving screenings, thus reducing barriers and increasing access to prostate cancer screenings for men over 40 who meet certain risk factors. The legislation awaits Governor Carney’s consideration. Advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and ZERO Prostate Cancer are urging the governor to deliver a win to men across Delaware and sign the bill as soon as possible.
It’s estimated that over 1,300 Delawareans will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2024. Some are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than others, including African American men and those who have a first-degree relative with a prostate cancer history.
Gary Pippin is a prostate cancer survivor and advocate with ZERO Prostate Cancer. Before being diagnosed, he was no stranger to prostate cancer having seen his father navigate the disease. Thankfully, this instilled in him the importance of staying up to date on his screenings. Pippin was also fortunate that cost was not a barrier to his early detection.
“Truly like father like son! My father, by the way, did not die from prostate cancer but from other causes. He had the operation after PSA tests showed problems with other tests, he lived over 20 years after surgery,” said Pippin. “Now over two years out from robotic surgery myself my PSA number is still zero. I just saw my urologist last month and he does not want to see me until a year instead of six months. I guess I have become a boring patient! That's just fine with me.”
Prostate cancer survival rates increase when detected early, highlighting the importance of access to screenings. By removing cost barriers for individuals, more people at high risk can access the necessary tools to detect prostate cancer in its earliest stages, often before any symptoms of the disease are present.
“Cancer screenings can save lives; however, they are only effective if the people who need them can get them. For many, the cost of cancer screenings can be a barrier, preventing them from seeking out the preventive care that can detect cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages,” said Lance Kilpatrick, Government Relations Director for ACS CAN in Delaware. “ACS CAN is grateful to Representative Bolden and Senator Hoffner for championing this proposal to break down barriers to lifesaving care. We are hopeful that Governor Carney lends his approval and signs this critical legislation into law.”
"Countless men face barriers to prostate cancer screening each year, increasing their risk for diagnosis with advanced disease, and that's simply unacceptable," said Courtney Bugler, President and CEO of ZERO Prostate Cancer. “By making this bold move, Delaware is a role model for other states to prioritize men’s lives and ensure fair and equitable access to high-quality prostate cancer care for all.”
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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.
About ZERO Prostate Cancer
ZERO Prostate Cancer is the leading national nonprofit with the mission to end prostate cancer and help all who are impacted. ZERO advances research, provides support, and creates solutions to achieve health equity to meet the most critical needs of our community. From early detection to survivorship, ZERO is the premier resource for prostate cancer patients and their families to access comprehensive support, make meaningful connections, and take action to save lives. Our dedicated national and chapter staff is joined by a growing team of passionate volunteer champions to increase advocacy, awareness, and community engagement to ZERO out prostate cancer. ZERO is recognized with four out of four stars by Charity Navigator and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. ZERO spends more on programs than any other prostate cancer charity, dedicating 85 cents of every dollar to support, education, and research.