Pinehurst Today

U.S. Representative Richard Hudson has joined a group of lawmakers in reintroducing the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation aims to increase access to multi-cancer early detection technology for seniors by creating a pathway for Medicare coverage.

Representative Hudson stated, "Too often, families in North Carolina and across the country are devastated by a cancer diagnosis. By increasing access to multi-cancer early detection screening tests, we can catch cancers sooner and save lives."

The proposed legislation would allow Medicare to cover Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) screenings once they receive approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Currently, medical professionals commonly screen for only five types of cancer, with just 14% of cancers detected through existing screenings. The bill seeks to address this gap by improving early detection capabilities nationwide.

Representative Jodey Arrington emphasized the potential impact of the legislation: "Increasing access to multi-cancer early detection screenings will not only drastically improve quality of life for American cancer patients and their families while saving taxpayer dollars but save lives by catching cancer before it spreads."

Representative Terri Sewell expressed excitement about reintroducing the act: "Cancer affects everyone. It knows no political party or ZIP code... We are excited to be reintroducing the Nancy Gardner Sewell MCED Screening Coverage Act to expand access to early detection cancer screenings for our seniors."

The importance of early detection was echoed by Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks: "As a physician, I know that prevention is the best medicine, and we must enhance opportunities for early detection of cancer and other diseases."

Representative Raul Ruiz added, "Early cancer detection significantly improves health outcomes and saves lives... Access to these screenings is critical."

Meagan O'Neill from the Association of Cancer Care Centers praised the reintroduction: “MCED tests hold tremendous potential to transform cancer care by enabling earlier detection, but their promise hinges on accessibility.”

Jody Hoyos from the Prevent Cancer Foundation highlighted the opportunity presented by this legislation: “We have the opportunity to chart a course that revolutionizes the ability to detect cancer in earlier stages.”

Dr. Gary Puckrein from the National Minority Quality Forum stressed its significance for underserved communities: “Passage of [the act] is essential for communities who face barriers to routine cancer screenings.”

Audra Moran from the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance remarked on its potential impact: “Multi-cancer early detection tests have the potential to transform outcomes for... ovarian cancer diagnosis this year.”

Daneen Sekoni from Cancer Support Community emphasized patient access: “This bipartisan legislation... would create a new coverage pathway, giving people on Medicare access to new, breakthrough screening technologies.”

Molly McDonnell from FIGHT Colorectal Cancer supported congressional efforts: “Access to tools like MCED tests can help catch cancer earlier when it is easier to treat.”

Laurie Fenton Ambrose from GO2 for Lung Cancer urged swift passage due to low screening rates: “This is why access to MCED tests through this legislation is so critical.”

Christine Hamp from National Grange noted its importance for rural Americans: “Access to MCED tests could bring... technology that allows them [rural Americans] take control of their health.”

The full text of the bill can be accessed online.