Sens. Ossoff, Britt Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Detect & Prevent Colorectal Cancer

Sens. Ossoff and Katie Britt (R-AL) are introducing the bipartisan Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Act to help address the recent rise in colorectal cancer rates in youth. According to recent studies, colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related deathThis is an external link for Americans under 50, despite being highly preventable and treatable when detected early.

Sen. Ossoff’s bipartisan bill would provide funding to states to help individuals get screened for colorectal cancer, increase public awareness, and support health care professionals.

Nearly 5,200 Georgians are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, and colorectal cancer cases in Georgians under 50 jumped from around 7 per 100,000 people in the early 2000s to nearly 11.2 in 2022 according to CDC and NIH estimatesThis is an external link.

“Early cancer detection saves lives, and too many Georgians have shared heartbreaking stories with me about losing loved ones to colorectal cancer. I’m introducing this bipartisan bill with Senator Britt to expand early detection of colorectal cancer and better protect young Georgians from this devastating disease,” Sen. Ossoff said.

“The staggering rise in colorectal cancer we’re seeing across the country demands action. We know that this especially aggressive cancer is affecting younger Americans now more than ever. We must give states and healthcare providers the resources they need to better inform and treat the public, which is why I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Ossoff,” said Senator Britt.

Sen. Ossoff continues working to increase Georgians’ access to lifesaving and preventative health care.

In June, Sen. Ossoff offered an amendment to prevent insurance companies from denying or delaying needed health care, but Senate Republicans blocked Sen. Ossoff’s amendment. This followed Senate Republicans blocking Sen. Ossoff’s amendment during a Senate budget debate in April.

In May, Sen. Ossoff brought Republicans and Democrats together to deliver Federal funding to strengthen Clark Atlanta University (CAU)’s prostate cancer research. Clark Atlanta University plans to use the Federal funding to strengthen their research and education programs that focus on the early detection and treatment of prostate cancer for Black Georgians.

In April, Sen. Ossoff brought Republicans and Democrats together to help Augusta University upgrade equipment at the Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University’s cancer research center.

In March, Sen. Ossoff worked with Republicans and Democrats to expand access to early-detection cancer screenings for seniors in Georgia. The bipartisan Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act, cosponsored by Sen. Ossoff, was signed into law on February 3 as part of bipartisan government funding legislation.

Click here to read the Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Act.