Bipartisan legislation that would remove financial barriers to prostate cancer screening was introduced [January 29] in the U.S. Senate. Sponsored by Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), the Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening for High-risk Insured Men (PSA Screening for HIM) Act would waive cost-sharing requirements such as deductibles, copayments and coinsurance, for prostate cancer screening tests for men with the highest risk of prostate cancer, including Black men and those with a family history of the disease.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for men in the U.S. When the disease is detected early, the 5-year survival rate is nearly 100%. However, when the disease is detected in advanced stages, the likelihood of survival drops to just 37%.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) supports the PSA Screening for HIM Act and is working with lawmakers to pass legislation at both the state and federal levels that will eliminate out-of-pocket costs for patients and improve access to prostate cancer screening tests.

“Out of pocket costs can be a major obstacle to accessing screening,” said Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, interim chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society and ACS CAN. “The PSA Screening for HIM Act will help remove this barrier and enable those at high risk to get the prostate cancer screening tests they need to detect prostate cancer at the earliest, most treatable stage.”

The PSA Screening for HIM Act could also help improve health outcomes for those at the highest risk of prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, the incidence of prostate cancer among Black men is almost 70% higher than in White men. Black men are also more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer when compared to White men. Moreover, having a first-degree relative (father or brother) with prostate cancer more than doubles the chance of developing the disease.

“Everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer,” said Dr. Frederick. “We urge the Senate to pass this legislation to help save more lives.”

This press release was originally published January 29, 2025, by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. It is republished with permission.