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.
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%.
In Pennsylvania, prostate cancer has the second highest incidence rate behind breast cancer with an estimated 13,400 Pennsylvanians projected to receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2025.
Retired Army Colonel Jim Williams, who is a 34-year prostate cancer survivor and current Chair of the Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Coalition said, “Men understand preventive maintenance with their cars; however, they don’t place the same priority on preventive medicine, thus the importance of these bills to remove barriers to prostate cancer screening to pave the way for a better quality of life as men age.”
Research shows, some men are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than others. For example, Black men and men with African ancestry are more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer when compared to White men. Additionally, having a first-degree relative (father or brother) with prostate cancer more than doubles a man’s risk of developing the disease.
“We know that financial barriers can impact a person's ability to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. HB 281 and SB 447 will help remove a major obstacle that can prevent those at high risk for the disease from getting the screenings they need to find prostate cancer at the earliest, most treatable stage,” said Donna Greco, Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “We hope state lawmakers see HB 281 and SB 447 for what it is: a critical step toward eliminating a rock-solid barrier to lifesaving care.”
ACS CAN thanks Representative Jeanne McNeill and Senator Devlin Robinson for sponsoring this legislation and looks forward to working with them on passage this year.
“I have reintroduced legislation this session that would give more Pennsylvanians access to tests that would help find cancer earlier leading to better outcomes,” said Rep. McNeill. “My bill, H.B. 281 would require insurers to provide coverage for them once annually, to anyone at average or high risk of prostate cancer. I also introduced H.B. 124 which would designate September 2025 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. I hope this will bring greater awareness about the importance of removing barriers to the diagnosis and care for those with prostate cancer.”
“Through my dad and the BRCA1 gene, I have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer, so screening will play a huge role in my life. I am not alone in this—thousands of Pennsylvanians carry this burden but research tells us that expenses, like a copay or coinsurance, deter them from getting screened,” said Sen Robinson. “If we prioritize improving access to early detection, we can prevent countless deaths from prostate cancer and, in the process, save on costs given that early-stage diagnoses are easier and less expensive to treat.”
To date, 9 states, including neighboring Delaware, have passed legislation to enhance coverage of prostate cancer screenings for high-risk men.
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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.
Volunteer advocates, including cancer survivors, patients,