Congresswoman Scholten Introduces Bipartisan SCREENS Act to Improve Early Cancer Detection

WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) introduced theStandardizing Cancer Recommendations for Earlier Evaluation and Navigation of Screenings (SCREENS) Act. This bipartisan bill would help more Americans catch cancer earlier by making screening recommendations easier to understand and giving healthcare providers better tools to identify patients who may be at risk or overdue for screenings. Congresswoman Scholten was joined by Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

"Early cancer detection saves lives, but for far too many Americans, navigating complicated health care recommendations can lead to missed screenings," said Congresswoman Scholten. "I'm proud to join Rep. Hinson in introducing the SCREENS Act, which would help create a national, digital framework of cancer screening guidelines. Building this resource will give patients clear, easy-to-follow recommendations and help providers identify who is overdue so that more people in Michigan and across the country get the services they need when they need them."

"So many Iowa families have been touched by cancer, including mine. Iowa's rising cancer rates are unacceptable, and we have to do everything we can to reverse this trend. That starts with making early detection resources simple and accessible so we can catch cancer earlier, improve outcomes, and save lives. I will continue working across the aisle and leave no stone unturned in this fight," said Congresswoman Ashley Hinson.

"Detecting cancer early can save lives. I know that based on the personal experience of my wife, Barbara, a nearly 40-year breast cancer survivor. Unfortunately, patients and providers are navigating a complex and confusing maze just to keep up with cancer screening recommendations. By making these recommendations more accessible through technology, our SCREENS Act would strengthen cancer care and help save lives. This bill would proactively support Iowans by helping providers identify patients who could be overdue for a screening. I want to thank Congresswoman Hinson for her support for this legislation and her commitment to boosting cancer care in Iowa," said Senator Chuck Grassley.

Specifically, the SCREENS Act would:

• Make cancer screening guidelines easier to access: Direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a national digital framework for cancer screening and risk assessment recommendations that can be incorporated into electronic health records.

• Help doctors catch potential risks earlier: Support technology that helps healthcare providers identify patients who may be at higher risk for cancer or overdue for recommended screenings.

• Give patients clearer information: Make screening recommendations easier to understand and follow so patients can stay on top of their health.

• Improve coordination with health plans: Require HHS to issue guidance to Medicare Advantage, Medicaid managed care, and ACA plans on integrating electronic cancer screening tools.

• Support innovation in cancer prevention and early detection: Authorize research and pilot projects to help bring these technologies into everyday medical practice.

Read the full text of the SCREENS Act here.

The legislation builds on Congresswoman Scholten's bipartisan work to expand access to cancer screenings, including the CATCH IT Act, which would increase federal investments in preventative health equipment, like mammogram machines and mobile cancer screening tools in rural communities.

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