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Veterans Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research Act Passed into Law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Sherí Barros
ZERO Prostate Cancer
media@zerocancer.org
(202) 463-9455

Veterans Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research Act Passed into Law

HR 4880/S2720 will standardize care for prostate cancer within the Veterans Health Administration

a Veterans Administration Medical Center with American flags

Washington, D.C., Dec. 23, 2022ZERO Prostate Cancer is thrilled to announce the passage of the Veterans Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research Act (HR 4880/S 2720) as part of the FY2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act. President Biden is expected to sign the legislation imminently and the implementation process will begin in 2023.

“The Veterans who have served our country deserve nothing less than the best prostate cancer care we have to offer them,” said ZERO President and CEO Jamie Bearse. “The implementation of a prostate cancer clinical pathway will ensure that Veterans have access to the same high quality care whether they live in Los Angeles, CA, or Lubbock, TX.”

Veterans experience higher rates of prostate cancer than the general population and prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the Veterans Health Administration. The VHA serves almost 500,000 patients with prostate cancer, of whom 16,000 have metastatic disease. The Veterans Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research Act will require the development of a prostate cancer clinical pathway that measures access to prostate cancer care, from screening, to treatment, to survivorship, and help to ensure that access is equitable across the country.

“We’re grateful to Representatives Dunn, Slotkin, Murphy, and Allred, and Senators Moran and Tester for their leadership on this issue,” said Alison Manson, ZERO’s Vice President of Advocacy and Government Relations. “Because of their dedication, especially that of Representative Dunn, we’ve made a great step forward for Veterans with prostate cancer and we look forward to working with the Congressional leaders and the VA to ensure that the pathway is implemented with the patient at the center.”

In addition to the Veterans Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research Act, the year-end package included vital investments in prostate cancer research at the Department of Defense (DOD) and education and outreach at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

For more information about ZERO and its advocacy efforts, please visit zerocancer.org/advocacy


About ZERO Prostate Cancer

ZERO Prostate Cancer (ZERO) is leading the fight to end prostate cancer and save lives. Through relentless advocacy, bold awareness campaigns, and unwavering support, we are transforming the future of prostate cancer care.

For nearly 30 years, ZERO has been the driving force behind groundbreaking research, early detection initiatives, and policy changes that unlock critical funding for life-saving treatments. What began in 1996 as the National Prostate Cancer Coalition has grown into the nation's leading prostate cancer organization—dedicated to ensuring no one faces this disease alone.

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