Cutting Through the Cost of Waiting: Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz joins Congressman Kennedy at Roswell Park to Push Three-Pronged Legislative Approach to Expand[...]

Three Pieces of Legislation Championed by Wasserman Schultz Would Provide Comprehensive Approach to Continuing Care for Cancer Survivors, Enhance Medicare Coverage for Those with Hereditary Risks, and Reauthorize the EARLY Act to Raise Awareness of Early Detection in Young Women

Wasserman Schultz, a Breast Cancer Survivor, Toured Roswell Park with Kennedy to See Firsthand the Progress Being Made at World's First Cancer Hospital

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Following a tour of the world's first dedicated cancer hospital, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) joined Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) to call for passage of her three-pronged approach to expanding access to care for cancer survivors and high-risk patients. Wasserman Schultz, a breast cancer survivor, was in Buffalo at Kennedy's invitation. The Congresswoman is calling for the passage of three pieces of legislation she sponsors: the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act, the Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act, and the EARLY Reauthorization Act. Taken together, these three bills transform cancer care at every stage of a patient's journey by identifying hereditary gene mutations in at-risk individuals, expanding access to early screenings and risk-reducing surgeries, and addressing the lasting health challenges that survivors face.

"Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz's inspiring story proves exactly why early intervention is vital," said Congressman Tim Kennedy. "No matter your background or family history, early detection is the most critical factor in surviving cancer. The lifesaving work at Roswell Park, combined with this new legislative package, will expand access to care and give families more precious time together. I'm deeply grateful to my friend Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz for visiting Buffalo to see this research firsthand, and to the thousands of dedicated professionals at Roswell Park who work tirelessly to save lives."

"As a breast cancer survivor myself, I know firsthand that a patient's cancer journey doesn't end with the final round of chemo or radiation - it's a lifelong battle," said Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz. The challenges cancer survivors face must continue to be at the forefront of every conversation we have about this deadly and unrelenting disease. I really appreciate my friend Rep. Kennedy and his incredible team at Roswell Park, both for their invitation, and their unyielding commitment to the cancer community."

"From expanded services for people at high risk of cancer to ongoing support for cancer survivors, we are delighted to have the chance to share our ideas and experiences with legislators," said Candace Johnson, PhD, President and CEO of Roswell Park. "Representatives Wasserman Schultz and Kennedy have once again proven their commitment to the cancer patients here at Roswell Park and across the country."

"I'm here to say thank you to the caregivers, researchers, lawmakers and leaders who are partners in these important conversations about cancer prevention, care, research and survivorship services," said breast cancer survivor Sharon Sanford, a Senior Associate Director of Athletics at the University at Buffalo, and founder of Sadie Strong. "Together, we are shaping the access, the resources, the realities that tomorrow's cancer patients will confront, and we are paving a way for more cancer victories, more people getting back to their lives and moving forward with good health and positivity."

"We are so grateful to Representative Wasserman Schultz, Representative Kennedy and Dr. Johnson for hosting conversations today that lead to meaningful action tomorrow," said breast cancer survivor Annette Colden, founder of We R As 1 Inc. and a longtime partner in Roswell Park's outreach and engagement programs. "It's so important that cancer survivors are engaged as true partners in this way."

The three pieces of legislation being advanced by Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz and supported by Kennedy are:

The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act - This legislation overhauls cancer survivorship care by requiring Medicare to cover personalized survivorship plans to help patients navigate from active treatment to long-term survivorship and mandating Medicaid cover vital fertility preservation services for women at risk of iatrogenic infertility resulting from cancer treatment. The bill also creates a specific Medicaid benefit to help childhood and adolescent survivors safely transition into standard primary care and establishes a grant program through nonprofits to assist cancer survivors facing barriers to employment as a result of their disease and effects of treatment. To drive long-term progress, the act formally establishes the Office of Cancer Survivorship to manage dedicated research grants and mandates a sweeping government evaluation of patient outcomes.

The EARLY Reauthorization Act - First enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, the EARLY Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the CDC, to launch a national education campaign targeting young women (ages 15-44) to raise awareness of breast health, risk factors, and early detection, with particular attention to diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. It also established a parallel campaign aimed at educating health care professionals on the importance of early breast cancer diagnosis, patient counseling, and genetics referrals. Additionally, the EARLY Act created a grant program for nonprofit organizations assisting young women diagnosed with breast cancer to help them navigate the process. The authorization for this law expired at the end of last year. This bill reauthorizes programs under this law through 2031.

The Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act - This bill provides for Medicare coverage of germline mutation testing for individuals with a personal or family history of a hereditary cancer gene mutation or suspected history of hereditary cancer, as well as for associated coverage of risk-reducing surgeries and screenings.

"Cancer has unfortunately touched my family in many ways, including personally affecting both my wife and me," said Erie County Comptroller Kevin Hardwick. "We know firsthand that early education, screening, and detection save lives. Institutions like Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center need sustained funding to continue advancing our understanding of this disease and how it can ultimately be eradicated. The more our country invests in cancer research, screening, and prevention, the more lives we will save and the more progress we will have to celebrate in the future. I am proud to support Congressman Tim Kennedy's efforts to provide comprehensive care for survivors living with the long-term effects of cancer treatment, while also expanding screening and education for those at high risk of developing cancer."

New York State Senator April N.M. Baskin said, "As someone who has supported a loved one through cancer treatment, I know how critical access to quality, comprehensive cancer care can be. However, not everyone in this country has the same access to that lifesaving care. Black Americans face a higher cancer burden and the highest death rates of any group, driven by long standing inequities. I'm grateful to Congressman Tim Kennedy and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz for their leadership to expand access, improve early detection, and ensure patients and survivors get the care and support they deserve."

Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, "Cancer doesn't end when treatment does, and for far too many families, the hardest part begins after they leave the hospital. Congressman Kennedy's legislative package recognizes that survivorship is a lifelong journey, and it finally meets patients where they are. These proposals ensure that survivors aren't left to navigate recovery alone, and they recognize the real-life challenges patients face beyond the doctor's office. This is what comprehensive, compassionate care looks like. I'm proud to stand with Congressman Kennedy in pushing for these critical investments in prevention, treatment, and survivorship."

"I'm proud to stand with Congressman Tim Kennedy and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz in support of this comprehensive cancer care package that puts patients and families first," said Erie County Legislator Taisha St. Jean Tard. "This legislation recognizes that cancer care does not end with treatment, but that it requires continued support, early detection, and access to life-saving resources. By expanding coverage and investing in survivorship and prevention, we are taking meaningful steps to ensure our communities receive the care, dignity, and support they deserve."

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