Why we must pass the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act

On the 23rd anniversary of Sept. 11th, an estimated hundreds of thousands of local residents are still grappling with the effects of unprecedented toxic exposure. This group notably includes first responders as well as the tradesmen and tradeswomen who cleared and rebuilt lower Manhattan. Those impacted face a higher risk for certain types of cancer than the general public, and Congress has the opportunity to help them and others at-risk by passing the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act (HR 2407/S 2085).

This bill will allow Medicare to cover an exciting new screening technology — multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests. Without Congressional action, MCED tests are expected to remain inaccessible to our most vulnerable populations for years to come.

Cancer screening has proven to be an incredibly powerful tool for individuals and communities. Tests such as mammograms and colonoscopies have saved countless lives by helping patients and their doctors pursue earlier diagnoses. But of the more than 100 types of cancers, just five have common screenings: breast, cervical, prostate, a small subset of lung, and colorectal. The remaining unscreened cancers cause more than 70% of cancer deaths in the US. Many cancers go undetected until aggressive symptoms appear in later stages when prognosis becomes difficult. However, there is hope on the horizon.

With an analysis of blood, MCED tests can help doctors detect the presence of dozens of cancers. These game-changing technologies advance cancer detection at earlier and more treatable stages, leading to a better prognosis, better treatment outcomes, and better quality of life for patients and their caregivers.

As a lawmaker representing parts of Manhattan and the leader of New York’s building and construction trades union, we have seen firsthand the impact of unscreened cancer on our constituents. An estimated 91,000 people were exposed to toxic contaminants at Ground Zero because they answered the call to help on 9/11 and in the months and years that followed with recovery, de-construction, and re-construction.

More than twenty years later, responders and many other exposed citizens of the area are diagnosed with 9/11-related cancers like liver, head and neck, and myelomas, so many of which do not currently have screenings available. We must enable access to breakthrough tools like MCED tests to manage their health. They deserve the best science has to offer.

But to realize meaningful change, Congress has to urgently pass the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Act, to create a coverage pathway within Medicare to cover these cancer tests. Half of new cancer cases every year are among Medicare beneficiaries, and passing this bill is an important first step to make access possible.

The bill has united leaders across the political spectrum and has support from over 360 bipartisan lawmakers in Congress – including widespread cosponsorship in our own New York Congressional delegation.

Congress, including our state’s particularly influential delegation, is so close to helping millions of Americans. We are immensely hopeful that our statewide members of Congress, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, will rally the final push to pass this legislation and make history this year.