All About Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED)
We here at the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona advocate for many issues, both at the local and Federal levels. One of the issues we’ve most recently been advocating for is Medicare coverage for multi-cancer early detection screenings (MCED).
The benefits of early detection allow for timely intervention on cancers that have been previously gone undiagnosed or unrecognized. Early detection, as any of those 500+ groups will tell you, is a primary driver in improving health outcomes for cancer patients
All About Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED)
We here at the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona advocate for many issues, both at the local and Federal levels. One of the issues we’ve most recently been advocating for is Medicare coverage for multi-cancer early detection screenings (MCED).
The benefits of early detection allow for timely intervention on cancers that have been previously gone undiagnosed or unrecognized. Early detection, as any of those 500+ groups will tell you, is a primary driver in improving health outcomes for cancer patients.
We have stood with dozens of local Arizona patient groups over the past few years in advocating for an important piece of legislation that just hasn’t been able to make it across the finish line in Congress. The bill in the House (H.R. 2407 – Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act) and the companion bill in the Senate (S.2085 – Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act) would allow for Medicare coverage and payment for multi-cancer early detection screening tests once they are approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These groundbreaking new tests can be used to screen for dozens of cancer types, which would drastically improve our ability to detect cancer in the early stages when it’s most treatable.
Now I think we all know by now how dysfunctional and slow-moving Congress is, so in reality we shouldn’t be surprised by the fact that this bill has not gone to a vote. But on the other hand, maybe we should be surprised given the overwhelming support for this bill. Just look at the numbers:
- 256 Co-Sponsors in the House (142 Democrats, 114 Republicans)
- 60 Co-Sponsors in the Senate (31 Democrats, 27 Republicans, 2 Independents)
- Over 500 national and local organizations in support of passage, including major groups such as the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Susan G. Komen Foundation, and the American Lung Association.
The benefits are obvious when we’re talking about early detection. It allows for timely intervention on cancers that have been previously gone undiagnosed or unrecognized. Early detection, as any of those 500+ groups will tell you, is a primary driver in improving health outcomes for cancer patients. Other benefits include the obvious convenience (many of these tests are possible with a simple blood draw), opportunity for earlier personalized treatment, and greater reach into rural and underserved communities.
The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona advocates for survivors of all types of acquired brain injuries, which includes survivors of brain tumors and brain-related cancers. Survivors of brain cancer often experience lasting if not lifelong neurological impairments as a result of their condition. One of the best determinants for positive outcomes for any cancer, including brain cancer, is early detection, which is why we adamantly support coverage for Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening. Exciting advancements in research and technology are being made every day. As better and more reliable screening becomes available, it is imperative that it is made readily available to all Americans.
Arizona is tremendously lucky to have support from most of our leaders on this issue, and they deserve recognition for their co-sponsorship. Thank you, Senator Kyrsten Sinema, Senator Mark Kelly, Congressman David Schweikert, Congressman Juan Ciscomani, Congressman Raul Grijalva, Congressman Paul Gosar, Congresswoman Debbie Lesko, and Congressman Greg Stanton.
If you would like to join us in supporting this issue, please contact your representative in Congress and urge them to get this bipartisan, potentially life-saving legislation across the finish line.
ABOUT BRAIN INJURY ALLIANCE OF ARIZONA
The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona (BIAAZ) is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children with all types of brain injuries through prevention, advocacy, awareness and education. BIAAZ also houses the Arizona Brain Health Resource Center, a collection of educational information and neuro-specific resources for brain injury survivors, caregivers, family members and professionals.
What began in 1983 as a grassroots effort has grown into a strong statewide presence, providing valuable life-long resources and community support for individuals with all types of brain trauma at no charge.
The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona:
- Works with Congressional Brain Injury Task Force
- Houses Arizona Brain Health Resource Center
- Hosts virtual and in-person support groups for survivors and families
- Has Statewide Opioid Use Disorder & Cognitive Impairment Response team with peer support, training, and family wraparound services
- Facilitates Brain Health Advisory Council
- Manages statewide Help Line: 888-500-9165
