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

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Media Contact:

Stephanie S. Johnson
ZERO Prostate Cancer
stephjohnson@zerocancer.org | media@zerocancer.org
(202) 998-2507

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 (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 almost 30 years, ZERO has led the way in prostate cancer advocacy and support, 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.