Joco Today

On Monday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) and Senator Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island) introduced the Mobile Cancer Screening Act in the Senate. The proposed legislation aims to create a federal grant program for hospitals and healthcare centers to improve access to cancer detection services in rural and underserved areas. The funding would allow providers to purchase mobile screening units, helping patients who face challenges such as lack of transportation or long distances to clinics.

Senator Marshall stated, “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. 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.”

Senator Reed added, “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. 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.”

A similar bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen Gabe Evans (R-Colorado-8) and Raul Ruiz (D-California-25). Congressman Evans commented on the need for expanded access: “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,” he said. ”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.”

Congressman Dr. Ruiz highlighted lung cancer as a leading cause of death: “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,” he said. “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 Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) has expressed support for this legislation. Dr. Joseph Sabik, President of STS, stated: “Far too many Americans lack access to early detection tools that save lives,” he said. “This bill is a step forward toward bringing advanced screening technology directly to communities in need.”

The introduction of this bill follows ongoing concerns about disparities in healthcare access between urban centers and rural or underserved regions.