Mayor Muriel Bowser signed the Cost-Free Coverage for Prostate Cancer Screening Amendment Act last week, following in the lead of the seven states that have reduced barriers to accessing prostate cancer screenings. The bill waives cost-sharing requirements for prostate cancer screenings for D.C. residents, meaning that men will be able to access guideline-recommended prostate cancer screenings without out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copayments, or coinsurances.
Early detection is key to surviving prostate cancer. Nearly 100% of people diagnosed with prostate cancer will survive the disease for five years or longer if caught early. The likelihood of survival drops to 34% when caught in its advanced stages. Eliminating financial barriers to screening makes it possible for more patients to catch their cancer early.
For D.C. resident Lawson Brooks, early detection saved his life from prostate cancer—twice. Brooks was diagnosed with prostate cancer for the first time in 2000 and again in 2019. Insurance status and cost were not a barrier to Brooks getting screened.
“As an African American man, I am especially concerned about the disproportionate impact of prostate cancer on my community. We see lower rates of cancer screening, and prostate cancer accounts for more than a third of all new cancers in Black men,” said Brooks. “I am grateful to our City Councilmembers and Mayor Bowser for recognizing the need to ensure that more men in my community and beyond do not encounter barriers to lifesaving care. Early detection is a gamechanger. I am eager to see more D.C. residents gain access to it.”
The law goes into effect immediately pending Congressional review.
Lance Kilpatrick, Government Relations Director for American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in D.C. said, “We have the tools to reduce deaths from prostate cancer. Early detection makes that possible. ACS CAN was proud to see D.C. city leaders celebrate the power in cancer screenings by making them more accessible to men across the city.”
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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.