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Veterans Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research Act Passed into Law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:

Scott Meeks
Senior Director, Social Media & Video Production
scott@zerocancer.org

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 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.

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