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State Sen. Steve Livingston Pre-Files SB19 to Expand Coverage for Cancer Screenings

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: 
Stacy Jacobson 
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network 
Phone: 443-610-3627 
Email: stacy.jacobson@gmail.com

 

Alabama Would Become Tenth State to Require Prostate Cancer Screening Coverage

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Patient advocacy groups including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and ZERO Prostate Cancer applaud Alabama State Sen. Steve Livingston for pre-filing Senate Bill 19, which eliminates cost sharing for lifesaving prostate cancer screenings for those covered by state-regulated insurance. The bill, which was pre-filed this month in honor of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, would reduce barriers for men over 40 at high risk of developing prostate cancer. If passed, Alabama would become the tenth state in the country to pass a law eliminating cost-sharing for prostate cancer screening for those at high-risk.

“This bill would make Alabama a nationwide leader in helping to reduce the cancer burden,” said Jane Adams, government relations director for ACS CAN in Alabama. “People at high risk for prostate cancer should be able to access impactful screenings without the threat of extra costs. We are grateful to Sen. Livingston for filing this bill again and urge lawmakers to get it over the finish line in 2026.” 

It’s estimated that nearly 5,500 Alabamians will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2025. Some are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than others, including those who have one or more first-degree relatives with a prostate cancer history and African American men. Prostate cancer survival rates increase when detected early, which emphasizes the importance of access to screenings.

“ZERO is deeply grateful for Senator Livingston’s unwavering advocacy on behalf of his constituent, David, and for his leadership in driving this critical effort forward," said Courtney Bugler, President and CEO of ZERO Prostate Cancer. “We also thank Senator Livingston and Representative Gray for championing the reintroduction of this vital legislation. Now we urge Alabama lawmakers to stand with men and families who need them most by ensuring its passage next year.”

The Alabama legislative session begins January 13, 2026.

 


About ACS CAN

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org


About ZERO Prostate Cancer

ZERO Prostate Cancer (ZERO) is on a mission to improve and save lives from prostate cancer through advocacy, education, awareness, and support. Formerly known as the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, ZERO was founded in 1996 to stand up for people impacted by prostate cancer. Today, ZERO serves as the nation's leading prostate cancer organization, advancing a future where prostate cancer detection is early, support is unwavering, and care is accessible to all. For over 30 years, ZERO has led the way in prostate cancer advocacy, screenings, and partnerships, successfully unlocking funding toward breakthrough discoveries, treatments, and lifesaving access to care.  

As the nation’s #1 provider of prostate cancer resources, programs, and services, ZERO has supported millions of people at-risk or diagnosed, and their families. As the voice of the prostate cancer community, ZERO's urgent focus on breaking barriers to survival—by closing gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and care—brings critical attention to those most likely to be impacted by this disease.  Learn more at ZEROcancer.org

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