A new piece of legislation was introduced that would permanently establish a Precision Oncology Program for Cancer of the Prostate.
Congressman and urologist Greg Murphy (R-NC) sponsored the Precision Oncology Program for Cancer of the Prostate POPCaP, with the help of co-sponsor Rep. Herb Conaway (D-NJ).
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system, with around 15,000 veterans being diagnosed and treated each year.
"As a urologist and representative of over 76,000 veterans, I understand how important the POPCaP Program is to treat individuals with prostate cancer," Murphy said. "Due to the exposures our veterans faced during their time serving our nation, they are far more likely to develop prostate cancer than civilian men.”
In 2016, the VA partnered with the Prostate Cancer Foundation to establish the Precision Oncology Program to conduct oncology research to improve care for veterans and others with cancer. According to the VA’s Office of Research & Development website, the program aims to help provide targeted cancer care for veterans based on their genetic profiles, and facilitate their access to new investigational therapies through clinical trials. The program includes a research component through which patients can agree to have their clinical, genetic and imaging data shared with researchers to help advance cancer care.
“Given the special attention this disease demands, rolling the POPCaP Program into greater oncology care is insufficient,” Murphy said. “We have made great strides in research and treatment for veterans and cannot afford to slow our progress. This program is vital and must not be dismantled or diminished."
Conaway, a veteran and physician, added that he has seen firsthand the consequences of gaps in care and inequities in health outcomes.
“Prostate cancer remains a serious and disproportionate threat to our veteran population, particularly for African American veterans, who continue to face significantly higher rates of both diagnosis and mortality,” he said.
Studies show Black veterans represent the highest incidence of prostate cancer. According to the National Library of Medicine, roughly 30 percent of Black veterans are currently diagnosed with prostate cancer in the VA database.
“This legislation represents an important step toward addressing those disparities by strengthening research and improving the delivery of care within the VA system,” Conaway said. “We have both the tools and the responsibility to do better. We must ensure we are making the investments necessary to protect the health and dignity of those who have served our country."
The proposed bill has also received support from ZERO Prostate Cancer, which is a national nonprofit focused on eliminating prostate cancer by advancing health equity and ending racial and health disparities among Black men.
Courtney Bugler, President and CEO of ZERO Prostate Cancer, commended Representatives Murphy and Conaway for their leadership on the legislation, saying veterans have earned this investment, and the breakthroughs generated through POPCaP will benefit all American men facing this disease.
“Our veterans face disproportionate risk due to service-related exposures, and African American veterans bear an unconscionable burden with twice the diagnosis rate and twice the mortality," Bugler said. “The VA's integrated healthcare system offers an unparalleled opportunity to advance precision oncology research while delivering quality care to those who've served our nation. Congress must now move swiftly to pass this bill and ensure its funding.”
H.R. 8553 is now under consideration by the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
