On Feb. 13​, the Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening for High-risk Insured Men (PSA Screening for HIM) Act was introduced in the United States House of Representatives by Representatives Neal Dunn, MD (R-FL) and Yvette Clarke (D-NY) with Representatives Greg Murphy (R-NC) and Troy Carter (D-LA) as cosponsors. Last week, Senator John Boozman (R-AR) introduced it in the United States Senate, along with Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ).

This bipartisan legislative proposal would waive cost-sharing requirements for men with the highest risk of prostate cancer, focusing on those with a family history of the disease. For men who have a family history of prostate cancer, a diagnosis is twice as likely compared to the average population. If this bill passes, men at an increased risk of developing prostate cancer would be able to receive prostate cancer screening without deductibles, copayments, or coinsurances.​

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%. 

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) supports the PSA Screening for HIM Act and is working with lawmakers to pass legislation at both the state and federal levels that will eliminate out-of-pocket costs for patients and improve access to prostate cancer screening tests. 

“Out of pocket costs can be a major obstacle to accessing screening,” said Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, interim chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society and ACS CAN. “The PSA Screening for HIM Act will help remove this barrier and enable those at high risk to get the prostate cancer screening tests they need to detect prostate cancer at the earliest, most treatable stage.” 

The PSA Screening for HIM Act could also help improve health outcomes for those at the highest risk of prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, the incidence of prostate cancer among Black men is almost 70% higher than in White men. Black men are also more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer when compared to White men. Moreover, having a first-degree relative (father or brother) with prostate cancer more than doubles the chance of developing the disease. 

“Everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer,” said Dr. Frederick. “We urge the Senate to pass this legislation to help save more lives.” 

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