ZERO Prostate Cancer Responds To Proposed Medicaid Cuts: Urges Protection of Lifesaving Screening and Care for Patients April 7, 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMedia Contact:Stephanie S. JohnsonZERO Prostate Cancerstephjohnson@zerocancer.org | media@zerocancer.org(202) 998-2507 Statement Attributable to:Courtney Bugler, CEO, ZERO Prostate Cancer “As the nation’s leading nonprofit in the fight against prostate cancer, ZERO Prostate Cancer, is deeply concerned by the proposed deep cuts to Medicaid currently under consideration in Congress. These potential cuts represent not just a budgetary shift–they are a direct threat to the lives of millions of Americans, including those at risk for or battling prostate cancer.Over 313,000 men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. For many–especially those in rural and underserved communities–Medicaid is the critical link to early detection, timely treatment, and survivorship support. In Medicaid expansion states, we’ve seen real progress, with meaningfully improved access to care for previously uninsured individuals. Now, all that progress stands in jeopardy.With some proposals calling for cuts as high as $880 billion, and 90% of Medicaid expansion costs currently covered by the federal government, shifting the financial burden to the states risks unraveling the safety net for many male patients. States like Missouri, Oklahoma, and South Dakota–where Medicaid expansion is constitutionally mandated–could be forced to make devastating choices between maintaining healthcare access or slashing other essential services like education or infrastructure. Prostate cancer doesn’t wait, and neither can we. Cutting Medicaid means cutting off vital access to PSA screenings, diagnostics, and advanced therapies for one of the nation’s most vulnerable populations. It will delay care, which is often too late for early intervention and optimal outcomes. That’s why this isn’t just a policy decision. In many cases, it could mean the difference between life and death for the grandfathers, fathers, sons, and uncles we love. ZERO Prostate Cancer urges lawmakers to carefully consider the human cost of these proposed cuts. Reducing access to preventive care and treatment will not only increase suffering, but may ultimately increase healthcare costs through delayed diagnoses.We stand ready to work with lawmakers to find solutions that prioritize patients, protect public health, and preserve the advances this country has made in health coverage for prostate cancer patients and those at risk. Access to care should not depend on your ZIP code or income level. Protecting Medicaid is protecting lives.” About ZERO Prostate CancerZERO 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 More for Press & Media Press Releases Press Releases Explore our newsroom for press releases and official statements about ZERO's latest updates, achievements, and partnerships. Press & Media Inquiries Press & Media Inquiries See how to contact ZERO's media contacts for press inquiries, logo and brand guidelines, and our recent press releases. Media Kits Media Kits Find essential tools to enhance your storytelling and coverage about ZERO. About Prostate Cancer Access to Healthcare Press Release More for you
ZERO Prostate Cancer Responds To Proposed Medicaid Cuts: Urges Protection of Lifesaving Screening and Care for Patients April 7, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMedia Contact:Stephanie S. JohnsonZERO Prostate Cancerstephjohnson@zerocancer.org | media@zerocancer.org(202) 998-2507
Statement Attributable to:Courtney Bugler, CEO, ZERO Prostate Cancer “As the nation’s leading nonprofit in the fight against prostate cancer, ZERO Prostate Cancer, is deeply concerned by the proposed deep cuts to Medicaid currently under consideration in Congress. These potential cuts represent not just a budgetary shift–they are a direct threat to the lives of millions of Americans, including those at risk for or battling prostate cancer.Over 313,000 men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. For many–especially those in rural and underserved communities–Medicaid is the critical link to early detection, timely treatment, and survivorship support. In Medicaid expansion states, we’ve seen real progress, with meaningfully improved access to care for previously uninsured individuals. Now, all that progress stands in jeopardy.With some proposals calling for cuts as high as $880 billion, and 90% of Medicaid expansion costs currently covered by the federal government, shifting the financial burden to the states risks unraveling the safety net for many male patients. States like Missouri, Oklahoma, and South Dakota–where Medicaid expansion is constitutionally mandated–could be forced to make devastating choices between maintaining healthcare access or slashing other essential services like education or infrastructure. Prostate cancer doesn’t wait, and neither can we. Cutting Medicaid means cutting off vital access to PSA screenings, diagnostics, and advanced therapies for one of the nation’s most vulnerable populations. It will delay care, which is often too late for early intervention and optimal outcomes. That’s why this isn’t just a policy decision. In many cases, it could mean the difference between life and death for the grandfathers, fathers, sons, and uncles we love. ZERO Prostate Cancer urges lawmakers to carefully consider the human cost of these proposed cuts. Reducing access to preventive care and treatment will not only increase suffering, but may ultimately increase healthcare costs through delayed diagnoses.We stand ready to work with lawmakers to find solutions that prioritize patients, protect public health, and preserve the advances this country has made in health coverage for prostate cancer patients and those at risk. Access to care should not depend on your ZIP code or income level. Protecting Medicaid is protecting lives.”
About ZERO Prostate CancerZERO 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
More for Press & Media Press Releases Press Releases Explore our newsroom for press releases and official statements about ZERO's latest updates, achievements, and partnerships. Press & Media Inquiries Press & Media Inquiries See how to contact ZERO's media contacts for press inquiries, logo and brand guidelines, and our recent press releases. Media Kits Media Kits Find essential tools to enhance your storytelling and coverage about ZERO.
