MEMPHIS, Tenn. — If signed by Gov. Bill Lee, a new Tennessee bill could help men afford prostate cancer screenings.
The state's ‘PSA Screening For HIM’ bill would eliminate cost-sharing for screenings, increasing access to care for men over 40 who meet certain risk factors.
It's estimated that more than 6,000 Tennesseans will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). African American men and those with a first degree relative with prostate cancer are at a higher risk of developing the illness.
“ACS CAN fully supports the PSA Screening for HIM Act because all men at high-risk for prostate cancer and those who have made an informed decision with their doctor to get screened should have access to a screening that is barrier-free without cost-sharing,” said Maddie Michael, Tennessee government relations director for ACS CAN. “We urge Gov. Bill Lee to sign the PSA Screening for HIM Act as soon as possible so this can start making a difference in the lives of Tennesseans.”
If signed, Tennessee would become the sixth state to enhance screening coverage.