Cancer advocates push for early detection screenings to be covered by Medicare

DENVER ( KDVR ) — Colorado cancer advocates are encouraging lawmakers to pass the “Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act.”

This act would allow those most at risk to get new and developing cancer screenings covered by Medicare.

On Tuesday morning, more than 700 volunteers, advocates and patients from across the United States headed to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress, including Colorado lawmakers, to push for the act and call on them to support the highest possible funding increases for cancer research.

Volunteers from Colorado will meet with lawmakers, including Congresswoman Diana DeGette, and encourage them to pass this legislation out of the committee.

In 2024, more than 2 million Americans are expected to be diagnosed with cancer, according to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

Right now, there are recommended routine screenings for only a few types of cancers. They typically require going to different offices specializing in that area, which requires multiple appointments at multiple locations. For some over 65 years old, that can be challenging.

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network volunteers are trying to get ahead of the curve and get a new type of cancer screening covered by Medicare.

It’s still in the development phase, but just one blood draw could detect multiple cancers. Normally, the FDA approves a treatment and then Congress authorizes it, which can take time. So, if Congress approves the bill in advance, once the FDA signs off on the tests, patients can be covered immediately.

Sen. Michael Bennet is an original sponsor of the bill, and Sen. John Hickenlooper has also signed on board.

The group will be rallying in D.C. If you’d like to show your support from Colorado, you can sign the petition.

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