Manatee Review

Congressman Vern Buchanan has introduced the Lung Cancer Screening and Prevention Act (H.R. 6693), a bill aimed at improving access to advanced screenings for lung cancer. Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., with more than 80 percent of people diagnosed with lung cancer dying within five years. Early detection through screening can significantly increase the survival rate, with stage I lung cancer having a 5-year survival rate of nearly 90 percent.

Currently, lung cancer screening tests must be approved by both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) before being considered for coverage by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). However, this process can be lengthy and hinder the availability of life-saving screenings. Congressman Buchanan's bill aims to address this issue by giving CMS the flexibility to cover new tests already approved by the FDA without waiting for USPSTF evaluation.

The Lung Cancer Screening and Prevention Act has received endorsements from leading associations and top cancer hospitals across the country, including the Moffit Cancer Center, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), and the LUNGevity Foundation. Dr. Jhanelle Gray, Chair of the Department of Thoracic Oncology at Moffitt Cancer Center, highlighted the importance of improving access to early detection and preventative care to reduce the number of lives lost to lung cancer.

The bill also has bipartisan support, with original cosponsors including Congressman Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Congressman Larry Bucshon (R-IN), and Congresswoman Michelle Steel (R-CA). Congressman Kilmer emphasized the bill's role in enhancing screening accessibility for high-risk groups and promoting innovative healthcare solutions. Congressman Bucshon stressed the importance of preventive measures in diagnosing lung cancer earlier, while Congresswoman Steel highlighted the need to remove government bureaucracy that hinders access to cancer screening.

Lung cancer screening has been proven to add 80,000 years of life for people in the U.S. and save the economy $40 million, according to a study by The American Lung Association. If everyone eligible for screening took advantage of it, it could add 500,000 years of life and save the nation $500 million.

Congressman Buchanan's efforts to improve healthcare extend beyond lung cancer screenings. Recently, his legislation to make it easier for seniors to access groundbreaking treatments passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The committee also approved the Supporting Innovation for Seniors Act (H.R. 5388), a bill Buchanan helped introduce, which expands flexibility for Medicare Advantage plans to cover innovative products.

As Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, Congressman Buchanan holds a prominent role in shaping healthcare policies. By introducing the Lung Cancer Screening and Prevention Act, he aims to increase access to critical lung cancer screenings and improve the chances of early detection, ultimately saving lives and reducing the burden of lung cancer on individuals and the healthcare system.

Source: [Buchanan.house.gov](https://buchanan.house.gov/2023/12/buchanan-introduces-bill-to-increase-access-to-critical-lung-cancer-screenings)

To find out more, go to this link: https://buchanan.house.gov/2023/12/buchanan-introduces-bill-to-increase-access-to-critical-lung-cancer-screenings