HR2381-119

What This Bill Does

The SCREENS for Cancer Act updates the CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. The findings emphasize the scale of breast and cervical cancer, the program's service to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women in all states, territories, and participating Tribes, and its record of more than 16.5 million screening exams, nearly 80,000 invasive breast cancer diagnoses, more than 25,000 premalignant breast lesions, almost 5,300 invasive cervical cancer diagnoses, and more than 248,000 premalignant cervical lesions. The operative changes add prevention to the program's detection and control mission, require appropriate follow-up services, add navigation and evidence-based screening strategies, focus on disparities and equitable access, and direct GAO to report by September 30, 2027 on eligible individuals, service trends, and barriers to breast and cervical cancer screening.

Who Benefits and How

Low-income uninsured women benefit because NBCCEDP screening, diagnostic, navigation, and follow-up services are strengthened. Underinsured women benefit because the program is updated to reduce barriers to breast and cervical cancer screening. Tribal screening programs benefit because the findings recognize Tribal participation and the program's role in geographically or culturally isolated communities. CDC cancer prevention staff benefit from clearer authority to support patient navigation, evidence-based strategies, and disparity reduction. Congressional health committees benefit from a GAO study on eligibility, service trends, and access barriers.

Who Bears the Burden and How

CDC program administrators must update NBCCEDP guidance, grant expectations, and performance measures for prevention, navigation, and equitable access. State breast cancer screening programs must align services with the revised statutory duties and follow-up expectations. GAO health analysts must estimate eligible populations, summarize service trends, and assess screening barriers by September 30, 2027. Federal appropriators must consider program expansion needs if reauthorization increases screening and diagnostic demand.

Key Provisions

• Amends NBCCEDP to include prevention, detection, and control of breast and cervical cancer.
• Requires appropriate follow-up services and support activities such as patient navigation and evidence-based screening strategies.
• Directs program work to reduce disparities, improve equitable access, and reduce barriers to screening and diagnostic services.
• Recognizes NBCCEDP's historical reach, including 6.4 million people served and 16.5 million screening exams.
• Requires GAO to report by September 30, 2027 on eligible individuals, service trends, and barriers to screening access.