D.C. Mayor Signs Landmark Prostate Cancer Prevention Bill Into Law

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MEDIA CONTACT:
ZERO Prostate Cancer
Scott Meeks
scott@zerocancer.org
202-203-0530

ZERO Applauds New Law That Eliminates Out-of-Pocket Costs for Screenings

Washington, D.C., October 29, 2024 - Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has signed into law legislation that will eliminate out-of-pocket costs for men being screened for prostate cancer. Out-of-pocket costs pose barriers to prostate cancer detection and treatment, disproportionately impacting lower-income individuals, people of color, and those with limited healthcare access. These financial burdens exacerbate health disparities and increase risks for vulnerable populations.

Washington, D.C. has the highest per-capita fatality rate for prostate cancer in the country and ranks eighth in incidence rate. Furthermore, Black men in D.C. are three times more likely to die from prostate cancer than white men.

“Thank you, Mayor Bowser and the D.C. Council, for making this bold move to prioritize men’s health,” said Ali Manson, ZERO Prostate Cancer’s Vice President of Government Relations & Advocacy. “This new legislation will save lives in D.C. every year by removing financial barriers so that men can get tested for prostate cancer.”

Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen introduced B25-0229 in March of 2023 - a measure supported by the entire D.C. Council. Washington, D.C. joins Delaware, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Oregon, and Rhode Island in passing similar legislation initiatives that reinforce the importance of accessible preventive care in combating prostate cancer.

Eric Morrow, a Veteran and African American prostate cancer survivor from the D.C. area, knows firsthand the impact early detection can make in a man's life; he was diagnosed at 49 after having multiple conversations with his doctors about screening.

“Particularly for Black men, beginning in your 30s or early 40s, you really need to start thinking about prostate cancer because it can strike at a much younger age,” said Eric Morrow. “If men were encouraged to talk about men’s health issues at a younger age, instead of solely relying on their physicians, I think we could start to change the trajectory of prostate cancer.”

At the federal level, ZERO Prostate Cancer is leading the advocacy effort behind the PSA Screening for High-risk Insured Men Act, also known as PSA for HIM. Introduced by Representatives Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN) and Yvette Clarke (D-NY), this legislation would require health insurance providers to offer PSA screenings without any cost-sharing requirements (copays, deductibles, or coinsurance) for African-American men or men with a family history of prostate cancer between the ages of 55 and 69. A Senate version of the bill, S.2821, has been introduced by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and John Boozman (R-AR).

For more information on B25-0229 and advocacy efforts around the country, visit ZERO’s website at zerocancer.org/advocacy.

About ZERO Prostate Cancer

ZERO Prostate Cancer is the leading national nonprofit with the mission to end prostate cancer and help all who are impacted. ZERO advances research, provides support, and creates solutions to achieve health equity to meet the most critical needs of our community. From early detection to survivorship, ZERO is the premier resource for prostate cancer patients and their families to access comprehensive support, make meaningful connections, and take action to save lives. Our dedicated national and chapter staff is joined with a growing team of passionate volunteer champions to increase advocacy, awareness, and community engagement to ZERO out prostate cancer. ZERO is recognized with four out of four stars by Charity Navigator and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. ZERO spends more on programs than any other prostate cancer charity, dedicating 85 cents of every dollar to support, education, and research.