Senators Marshall & Reed Introduce Legislation to Increase Cancer Screening Options for Rural Communities
Washington – On Monday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Senator Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island) in introducing the Mobile Cancer Screening Act. This legislation will establish a federal grant program for hospitals and healthcare centers to increase the availability of detection services in rural and underserved communities. With these funds, providers can purchase mobile screening units, bringing potentially life-saving screening to the doorsteps of patients who are affected by a lack of transportation or long travel distances to clinics.
“The geography of where a patient is shouldn’t determine whether they can get screened for deadly cancers, nor should it harm their life expectancy or health outcomes,” said Senator Marshall. “Those living in rural communities – like so many folks in Kansas – deserve the same access to life-saving preventative care as any other American. I am proud to introduce this life-saving, bipartisan legislation, and I look forward to seeing it become law.”
“The Mobile Cancer Screening Act would make cancer screenings more convenient and accessible. Detecting cancer early offers patients a much better chance of treating and beating it. Increasing the number of mobile screening units across the country will help put these units in more communities and help save lives,” said Senator Reed. “Cancer screenings don’t have to be invasive, but when it comes to cancer detection, it pays to be proactive. These units will help people get properly diagnosed, treated, and give them the best shot to beat cancer.”
Congressmen Gabe Evans (R-Colorado-8) and Raul Ruiz (D-California-25) introduced an identical bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Far too many Coloradans and Americans in rural areas face barriers to cancer screening services simply because of where they live. I understand just how critical it is to bring lifesaving health care directly to the communities that need it most,” said Congressman Evans. ”I am proud to help lead the fight to expand access to mobile cancer screening units and ensure every family has a fair shot at timely, quality care. I am committed to working across the aisle with my colleagues in Congress to ensure expanded access and lower costs for those who need care most.”
“Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and too many patients are diagnosed too late simply because they lack access to screenings,” said Congressman Dr. Ruiz. “This bill will help bring early detection directly to people where they live—especially in rural, low-income, and underserved areas. With the Supreme Court’s recent decision on preventive care coverage, we have a critical opportunity to save lives by making screenings more accessible through mobile units.”
The legislation is also supported by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS).
“Far too many Americans lack access to early detection tools that save lives,” said Dr. Joseph Sabik, President of STS. “This bill is a step forward toward bringing advanced screening technology directly to communities in need.”
Click here to see the full bill text.
Background:
- Senator Marshall has long fought for improved healthcare outcomes, championing numerous pieces of legislation, including:
- The Patients Deserve Price Tags Act, which will improve the transparency of healthcare costs so patients understand the true price of procedures, medications, and services before receiving them.
- The Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act, which would expand coverage of telehealth services through Medicare, improve health outcomes, and make it easier for patients to connect with their doctors.
- The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, which is supported by the Trump Administration, will greatly benefit the speed and quality of care that our Seniors rely upon.
- Senator Marshall also worked closely with the Trump Administration as a member of the Senate Finance Committee to help shape and craft the $50 billion rural health transformation program component of the One Big, Beautiful Bill.
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Contact: Payton Fuller
