As executive director of the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation (ABCF), I’ve seen firsthand the toll cancer takes on families across our state, particularly late-stage cancer. My friend and mentor in advocacy, Dale Eastman, was completely shocked to learn in 1990 that she had breast cancer. That diagnosis drove her launch of ABCF to support others confronting this disease.
“No one should face breast cancer alone” became Dale’s rallying cry for so many in Texas experiencing the trauma of a cancer diagnosis. Knowing that ending breast cancer was the only acceptable option, Dale turned her pain into passion. For more than thirty years she dedicated herself to this mission with undeniable ferocity.
Although Dale lost her cancer battle last April, her spirit lives on for all who continue this fight. That is why the passage of the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act is so meaningful. With this law now passed and signed – thanks in large part to the tireless leadership of Texas Congressman Jodey Arrington – bold, innovative tools like multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests are now on a clear path to becoming available to Medicare beneficiaries.
Congressman Arrington did far more than just author this legislation: he helped lead a years-long bipartisan effort to modernize Medicare so that once MCED tests are approved by the FDA, they can be made available to the people who need them most. Leaders from across the Texas congressional delegation – Republicans and Democrats alike – stood behind Congressman Arrington’s bill, recognizing how much is at stake for Texas patients, families, and their communities.
It’s estimated that more than 160,000 Texans will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Tragically, too many of these patients are being diagnosed when the disease has already spread, limiting treatment options and increasing the burden of cancer in their lives.
These cutting-edge MCED tests use a simple blood draw to detect dozens of cancers, including many for which no screening options currently exist. Until now, one of the greatest barriers wasn’t the science – it was access, especially for Medicare beneficiaries who face higher cancer risk but lacked a clear coverage pathway. With passage of the MCED Act, that barrier has been addressed by establishing a process for Medicare to cover these tests once FDA approved, bringing us closer to a future where cancer is found earlier, treated faster, and outcomes are dramatically improved.
Currently, Medicare only covers screenings for five types of cancer, where less than 14% of cancers are typically found. With some 70% of cancer deaths tied to cancers without routine screening options, MCED tests could help catch these cancers earlier, when treatment is more effective and the cost of care significantly lower. Early-stage diagnoses can reduce the cost of care by up to 50% and may greatly decrease the burden of cancer for patients and their families.
The benefits are clear: detecting cancer earlier saves lives, reduces suffering, and dramatically cuts treatment costs. The average cost of treating late-stage cancer can be up to seven times higher for those who are diagnosed in later stages rather than earlier stages. Further, research shows cancer costs our health care system more than $200 billion annually, with billions of additional dollars being lost through diminished productivity.
My friend Dale would be heartened to see that the MCED Act is now law. And for that, I am deeply grateful to Congressman Arrington. His vision and tenacity helped secure passage of this groundbreaking legislation – a true legacy improvement to Medicare that will change the trajectory of cancer as we know it.
I am hopeful that Texas’ bipartisan congressional delegation will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder as this law moves toward implementation. By working together to ensure that MCED becomes broadly accessible to Medicare beneficiaries, our Texas leaders can bring us closer to a future where far more families are able to hear the words, “We caught it early.”
Editor's Note: The above guest column was penned by Jonathan Colemere, executive director of the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation. The column appears in the Rio Grande Guardian with the permission of the author.
