Full Press Release Details
Congress has taken a historic step forward in the fight against cancer. Thanks to the leadership of its bipartisan sponsors, and the work of advocates across the country, the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act is now law following the President’s signature. Medicare will have an MCED benefit category, and along with it a roadmap to meaningful coverage of FDA approved MCED tests.
More than 70% of cancer deaths today are caused by cancers without routine screening. Broad support for the new law represents a shared recognition that we can do better. Tremendous scientific advancements have resulted from progress in human genomics and artificial intelligence. Pairing screening innovation with forward-looking policy will enable us to fundamentally change what it means to face a cancer diagnosis.
Passage of H.R 842 / S.339 follows decades of Congressional actions that have brought beneficiary access to lifesaving cancer detection tools, like mammograms and colorectal cancer screenings. In the words of one of its lead Congressional sponsors, the new MCED law represents “ a coming together of the art of the possible with the science of the achievable ”. This bipartisan effort, and the other notable Medicare screening coverage laws before it, shows that cancer detection is a unifying priority with a profound impact on patients.
Throughout Congress’ work on the MCED Act, many discussions underscored how often individuals and families suffered losses from unscreened cancers – and the improved outcomes that are made possible by intercepting cancer earlier. These common experiences helped bring so many dedicated leaders together to enact public policy that will advance this fight.
At GRAIL, our mission has always been simple but urgent: to detect cancer early, when it can be treated more effectively. We are working to unlock greater potential to extend time in good health with loved ones, reduce the toxicities resulting from late-stage treatments, provide more treatment options, and to ultimately save lives. With this new law, that goal is now closer to reality for millions of Americans.
As a leading MCED developer, we are honored to stand with legislators, patient advocates, clinicians, and researchers who have championed this cause. We are proud to have invested in large prospective studies and randomized trials to ensure MCED testing is supported by strong data.
Recognizing the path for beneficiary access that has been established, we remain focused on advancing science, evidence, and clinical partnerships to deliver meaningful benefit for patients and meet the hopes of trailblazing policymakers and advocates.