Governor Signs Bill Increasing Access to Cancer Screening for High-Risk Delawareans

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: 
Casey O’Neill
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
Cell: 215-375-8086
E-mail: casey.oneill@cancer.org 

Delaware becomes the eighth state to expand coverage of prostate cancer screenings

DOVER, DE – OCTOBER 29, 2024 – Governor Carney has signed HS 1 of HB 302 this week, making Delaware the eighth state in the U.S. to enhance coverage of prostate cancer screenings for high-risk men. The bill eliminates costs for certain patients to get these lifesaving screenings, thus reducing barriers and increasing access to care for men over 40 with certain risk factors.

It’s estimated that over 1,300 Delawareans will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2024. Some are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than others, including African American men and those who have a first-degree relative with a prostate cancer history. Prostate cancer survival rates increase when detected early, highlighting the importance of access to screenings.

The law applies to all policies, contracts, or certificates issued, renewed, modified, altered, amended or reissued after December 31, 2025.

 “This is a great path forward for Delaware to be a nationwide leader in helping to reduce the cancer burden. All men at high-risk for prostate cancer as well as those who have made an informed decision with their doctor to get screened should have access to barrier-free screening without cost-sharing. I am proud to see this legislation make that possible,” said Lance Kilpatrick, Delaware Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). 

ACS CAN and ZERO Prostate Cancer extend their gratitude to legislative champions Representative Bolden and Senator Hoffner and express their encouragement at the extensive bipartisan support that the legislation received. 

“Thank you, Governor Carney and the Delaware legislature for making this bold move to prioritize men’s health,” said Ali Manson, ZERO Prostate Cancer’s Vice President of Government Relations & Advocacy. “Delaware is now one of only eight states to remove financial barriers to screenings for men at the highest risk. Together, we are paving the way for other states to make this kind of investment in men’s health.”

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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.