Alliance supports legislation for multi-cancer early detection

In a rare show of bipartisan support, the Nancy Gardner Sewell Multi-Cancer Early Detection Act (HR 2407) has passed the House Ways and Means Committee with a 38-0 vote. This demonstrates a real chance for this vital legislation to become law, but we need to ensure legislators hear from constituents so it does not languish as the election takes center stage.

Introduced by Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL 07) in memory of her mother, Nancy, who passed away from pancreatic cancer, HR 2407 would ensure Medicare immediately covers Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) tests once approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The legislation guarantees patients immediate access to these potentially life-saving tests.

MCED tests measure biological substances that cancer cells may shed in the blood and other body fluids, such as circulating tumor cells, tumor DNA, and other analytes that may suggest the presence of cancer. Five cancers have existing screening methods: breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate. Today, nearly 70% of cancer deaths are caused by cancers that have no screening method. MCEDs could have tremendous benefits in saving lives from all forms of cancer, including those with existing screening methods.

Once the FDA has determined that an MCED is safe and effective, patients should not have to wait for access to the test, and HR 2407 would ensure immediate coverage by Medicare.

Responding to the 38-0 passage of the bill by the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Sewell said, “Cancer knows no political party, and I’m proud of the bipartisan and unanimous work of the Ways and Means Committee to advance this bill. After years of tireless advocacy, we are one step closer to expanding access to new, early-detection cancer screenings for our seniors.”

With unanimous support in Ways and Means, along with 302 co-sponsors in the House, one might think HR 2407 is sure to become law. However, like much important legislation, it may take a back seat as attention shifts to what is certain to be a tumultuous election period. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance is pushing to get this bill over the finish line, and legislators need to hear from constituents that passing this bill is vital. Please take two minutes and send the email message below to your representative. You can find the email address at house.gov. 

"I was pleased to read that the Nancy Gardner Sewell Multi-Cancer Early Detection Act (HR 2407) unanimously passed the Ways and Means Committee. It is vital that these tests, once approved by the FDA, are quickly available through Medicare. I urge you to contact your leadership and ask that action be taken on this bill as soon as possible."