Cancer has devastated the lives of far too many Idahoans. Each year, thousands of our family members and loved ones succumb to the disease, in large part, because we didn’t find it soon enough. When cancer is found in later stages it’s much harder to treat successfully. That’s why early detection is so important.
Senator Mike Crapo wants to ensure that more Idahoans can benefit from early cancer detection. The bill he introduced — the MCED Screening Coverage Act (S. 1873) — intends to do just that. It will help ensure those on Medicare can access innovative screening tools that are greatly expanding the number of cancers we can find early.
These multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests use some of the latest science and technology to detect dozens of cancers by looking at the blood. Most of the cancers the MCED tests screen for have no screening available today. This means we are on the cusp of being able to find and treat many more cancers earlier. By requiring only a basic blood draw, MCED tests could be particularly beneficial to rural communities where there are fewer specialized health care facilities.
Currently, Senator Crapo’s bill has more than 275 cosponsors in Congress. Plus, more than 400 organizations all over the country, including physician, patient, and numerous other organizations throughout Idaho.
Call Senator Crapo at 202-224-3121 and thank him for his leadership on the MCED Screening Coverage Act (S. 1873) and for prioritizing the health of Idahoans.