As a Democrat and a Republican representing diverse constituencies across South Carolina, we don’t often see eye to eye on every issue. However, one thing we do agree on is that our health care system can and should do more to protect our citizens from the devastating impact of cancer.
Cancer is an equal opportunity killer. It does not discriminate by political party, socioeconomic status, or geography. Its impact is felt in every corner of our state, from the bustling city streets of Charleston to the quiet, rural communities of the Upcountry.
This is why we, acting out of a shared commitment to our constituents’ wellbeing, have come together to call on Congress to pass the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act (S. 2085) / Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act (H.R. 2407) and thank our very own Senator Tim Scott for introducing S.2085. This bill would ensure Medicare beneficiaries can access the latest cancer screening technologies as soon as they’re approved by the FDA.
Despite remarkable advances in medical science, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in South Carolina and the United States. In our state alone, an estimated 33,000 new cancer cases are reported each year. A significant part of these are late-stage diagnoses, which are less likely to be successfully treated effectively. We must take decisive action to change this.
New innovations, such as multi-cancer early detection tests (MCEDs), are a powerful tool in our fight against cancer. They’re giving us the power to detect multiple types of cancer before symptoms appear, dramatically increasing the chances of more successful treatment.
Early detection not only saves lives, but also dollars. Treating cancer at advanced stages is significantly more expensive than managing it before symptoms start to show. By investing in earlier detection, we could protect our health system resources, reduce the financial burden on families facing cancer, and most importantly, give our loved ones a better chance of survival.
Without the prospect of Medicare coverage, these life-saving tests would remain out of reach for many South Carolinians. Our senior citizens, who are more susceptible to cancer, rely heavily on Medicare for their healthcare needs. It is our duty to ensure that the benefits of scientific innovation are accessible to them.
We urge lawmakers in Congress, regardless of party, to support S. 2085 / H.R. 2407 and make its passage a priority this year.
Cancer has taken too much from our communities. We’ve all witnessed the suffering of a friend diagnosed too late, the pain of a family member enduring difficult treatments, and the tears of children who have lost a parent.
Let’s use this opportunity to show our constituents that we put their health and lives first. Let’s ensure that the power of early detection is not a privilege for the few, but accessible to all. Our constituents, our conscience, and our commitment to the health of all South Carolinians demand nothing less.
