Pennsylvania Cancer Action Center

Pennsylvania lawmakers have taken a critical step in efforts to prevent cancer and reduce its burden on Pennsylvanians by introducing HB 281 and SB 447. If passed, the legislation would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for lifesaving prostate cancer screenings for men at high-risk of developing prostate cancer, thus reducing barriers and increasing access to care for men over 40 with certain high-risk factors.

Over 120 volunteer advocates from across Pennsylvania, including cancer survivors, patients and caregivers, convened at the state Capitol yesterday for ‘Cancer Action Day,’ an event hosted annually by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). Advocates met with their state lawmakers and urged them to support policies that aid in the fight against cancer.

A new report released by the American Cancer Society (ACS) last month revealed a shift in the burden of the disease from men to women. Cases of cancer are declining in men while diagnoses are rising in women, specifically younger women. A continued drop in cancer mortality was also noted in the report, thanks in part to advances in early detection and treatment of cancer. The report coincides with the beginning of the 2025 legislative session and the recent introduction of House Bill 433. Supporters of Representative Gina Curry’s legislative proposal include the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of ACS, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), and Susan G. Komen For the Cure. One ACS CAN volunteer, a local Pittsburgh breast cancer survivor, is sounding the alarm on the recent report and urging state lawmakers to see House Bill 433 as an opportunity to address the troubling trend.

Governor Josh Shapiro presented his state budget to the legislature yesterday, outlining his vision for the coming fiscal year. In his budget address, Governor Shapiro proposed to maintain funding for key cancer prevention and detection programs and acknowledged health care costs and price transparency as a continued area of interest, which secured high praise from patient advocates concerned over the role cancer plays in limiting Pennsylvanians’ financial mobility. Advocates are hopeful that the budget negotiation process yields progress on additional health care affordability issues, including Pennsylvanians’ access to paid leave, medical debt relief and lifesaving medications.