Prostate cancer survivors, physicians, lawmakers, and cancer advocates gathered at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to urge swift passage of legislation that would expand access to prostate cancer screening for high-risk Pennsylvanians. The proposals — House Bill 281 and Senate Bill 447— would require coverage and remove out-of-pocket costs, which serve as barriers keeping too many vulnerable Pennsylvanians from getting screened.
In 2026, prostate cancer remains among the top five causes of cancer-related deaths and there are expected to be 13,470 occurrences of prostate cancer in Pennsylvania alone. Advocates stressed that early detection is critical to survival but remains out of reach for many that need it most because of financial barriers.
James Waddington, prostate cancer survivor and advocate, shared, “I’m hoping these bills are passed so that one day in the future, when my son, who knows he’s at high risk, has to go get a PSA, financial barriers are not the thing that will stop him.”
For the high-risk populations included in the legislation, expanded access could be lifesaving. Early detection is key for positive prostate cancer outcomes: if the disease is caught early, there is a nearly 100% chance of survival. However, when the disease is caught in its advanced stages, the likelihood of survival drops to just 37%.
Dr. Leonard Gomella, a urologist and prostate cancer expert at Jefferson Health, shared, "When we find prostate cancer early, it is one of the most curable cancers that we have, with 99% of men living at least five years.”
Guideline experts and clinicians agreed that screening starting at age 40 for those at elevated risk is a critical step in preventing this disease.
Public health leaders also pointed to the broader public health benefits of the bills.
“This legislation is not only about ensuring more Pennsylvanians have access to early detection. It is also about men’s health—that it matters and state lawmakers should create opportunities, not barriers, for men to detect and prevent cancer,” said Donna Greco, government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in Pennsylvania. “We thank Senator Devlin Robinson and Representative Jeanne McNeill for championing these bills and look forward to working with them to get them passed."
The day also served as Pennsylvania's statewide Lights of Hope event, honoring and remembering all those impacted by cancer. Displayed behind the speakers, the personalized Lights of Hope bags represented loved ones, survivors, caregivers and those lost to cancer, serving as a powerful reminder of the individuals and families at the heart of this fight.
Audra DeVaughn, CEO and Founder of Blackout PCa, reflected on the personal meaning of the display: “My Light of Hope is my dad, James. My family lost him a few years ago. If my dad had been screened sooner, then he would have been connected to treatment earlier, and he might be here with me today.”
The event was organized by the Pennsylvania Prostate cancer coalition alongside partners including the ACS CAN, Blackout PCa, ZERO Prostate Cancer, FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, 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’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.