Statement on Court Ruling and Preventive Screenings
Statement from Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance:
"Yesterday a federal judge struck down a provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that requires insurance companies to follow U.S. Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines and cover the cost of certain preventive cancer screenings, including tests for colorectal cancer.
If not paused or overturned, millions of people stand to lose insurance coverage for colonoscopy, stool-DNA, FIT, and other tests for colorectal cancer, the second deadliest cancer among men and women combined in the United States.
It also unwinds progress made by the USPSTF in 2021, when it lowered the recommended age to begin colorectal cancer screening to 45, due to an increase in young-onset colorectal cancer. The new guideline made 20 million additional people eligible for screening.
The Alliance envisions a world free of colorectal cancer, and widespread access to screening is a key tenet for achieving that reality. Colorectal cancer is highly preventable with timely screening. Reducing access by resuming the cost barriers that existed before the ACA will lead to lives lost.
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance is the nation’s leader in the mission to end this disease in our lifetime. We are taking action and asking the government to file a swift appeal."
Top resources
Legislation introduced to address young-onset CRC
Explore the urgent need for the Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Act (HR 7714), legislation aimed at combating the rising incidence of colorectal cancer among younger adults through enhanced screening, education, and research.
EPIC Act to Advance New CRC Therapies Needs Support
The EPIC Act would encourage investment in clinical trials for additional uses of existing drugs.
Cousins to Rev Down Route 66 for a Reason
In a remarkable blend of adventure and advocacy, cousins John, Mitch, and Mike are gearing up for a cross-country charity journey along Route 66. Their mission? To raise awareness and support for two important causes: cystic fibrosis and colorectal cancer.