S. 1866: Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services for Cancer Act of 2025

This bill, titled the "Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services for Cancer Act of 2025" (or the "SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2025"), aims to enhance and reauthorize the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) for the fiscal years 2026 through 2030. The key components of the bill can be summarized as follows:

Program Goals and Objectives

The act recognizes the significant number of new cases and deaths related to breast and cervical cancers in the United States and emphasizes the importance of early detection. The primary goals are:

• To expand access to breast and cervical cancer screenings, particularly for low-income and underinsured women.
• To improve follow-up services and support for women who receive screenings.
• To reduce disparities in cancer screening and treatment among different populations.
• To enhance education and outreach strategies to increase screening rates.

Amendments to the Current Program

The bill proposes changes to existing sections of the Public Health Service Act pertaining to the NBCCEDP, including:

• Providing appropriate follow-up services and support.
• Revising the language to cover prevention, detection, and control of breast and cervical cancers more comprehensively.
• Adding new provisions to enhance support activities and implement strategies that encourage screenings in healthcare settings.
• Addressing barriers to access for populations that experience higher rates of breast and cervical cancer.

Funding and Financial Provisions

The bill stipulates that $235 million will be allocated for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030 to support the initiatives of the program. This funding is intended to facilitate expanded services and outreach.

GAO Study and Reporting Requirements

By September 30, 2027, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) is required to report on the NBCCEDP. This report will include:

• An estimate of individuals eligible for the services.
• A summary of trends in the number of individuals served by the program.
• An analysis of factors influencing these trends, including barriers to accessing services.

Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the existing efforts to detect and address breast and cervical cancers through improved services and funding, while focusing on equitable access for underserved populations.

Relevant Companies

• AAPL: As a major player in the healthcare technology sector, efforts to enhance cancer screening and support services could lead to increased demand for innovative healthcare solutions and technologies.
• UNH: This health insurance provider may see affects depending on increased participation in screening programs and the subsequent healthcare costs incurred by insurers in preventive care services.