It's time for bipartisan action on cancer in Congress

Partisan gridlock has stalled many critical initiatives, but when it comes to cancer, there is no room for delay or division. Cancer doesn’t discriminate based on political affiliation, and neither should our lawmakers when it comes to lifesaving policies.

Congress has a rare opportunity for bipartisan action that could transform cancer detection and treatment, by passing the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act.

Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in New York, with more than 110,000 residents diagnosed annually and 35,000 lives lost. As we know, Long Island bears an outsize burden, with incidence rates surpassing the state average. Known contributors such as family history, age, lifestyle, and industrial chemical exposure have been studied extensively, yet a cure remains elusive. High cancer rates demand immediate action, and early detection is one of the most effective tools available. This bill ensures vital screening access for those who need it most.

For decades, we have fought legislative inaction, relying on community voices to make cancer a priority when lawmakers failed to act. In the early 1990s, grassroots activism by 1 in 9: The Long Island Breast Cancer Action Coalition pushed congressional lawmakers to secure $210 million for breast cancer research, leading to the Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project. Public pressure also forced the passage of the 1996 Food Quality Protection Act, requiring the Environmental Protection Agency to screen pesticides for their effects on estrogen, a known catalyst for cancer growth. These victories prove that when communities refuse to be sidelined, progress happens. We have fought too hard for too long — our leaders must listen again.

Early detection improves treatment outcomes, reduces mortality, and minimizes the financial and emotional toll on families. Yet, many — especially seniors — receive late-stage diagnoses, drastically limiting treatment options. This bill aims to change this by expanding access to cutting-edge early detection technologies.

Currently, routine screenings exist for only five cancers: breast, colorectal, cervical, lung, and prostate. Yet, 70% of cancer deaths result from cancers without standardized early detection methods. This gap leaves thousands of Americans facing devastating late-stage diagnoses that could have been prevented.

We now have a powerful tool to catch cancer earlier. Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests use a simple blood draw to detect dozens of cancers — giving people a fighting chance at better outcomes and more time with loved ones, especially for seniors, who account for 88% of cancer diagnoses. Early detection not only saves lives but also reduces the financial burden of late-stage treatments. The U.S. spends $210 billion annually on cancer care, much of it for advanced-stage disease. Early detection can cut costs and improve outcomes.

However, outdated Medicare policies can hinder access to MCED tests. This legislation seeks to modernize Medicare by enabling coverage for MCED tests, once FDA-approved. For Long Islanders, MCED tests offer hope, more time with loved ones, and the chance to save lives. Every life saved is a victory, and we refuse to stop fighting for the tools that can make a difference.

The fight against cancer demands urgency and unity. This legislation presents a clear, bipartisan opportunity for real progress. Previously, many of our representatives have supported this legislation. New Yorkers — especially on hard-hit Long Island — need them to end the delay and expand access to lifesaving detection technology. The time to act is now.

This guest essay reflects the views of Geri Barish, president of 1 in 9: The Long Island Breast Cancer Action Coalition, executive director of Long Island cancer resource center Hewlett House, and a breast cancer survivor.