H.R. 3490: Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act

This bill is called the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act and its main purpose is to enhance awareness and understanding of esophageal cancer. Here’s a summary of the key elements of the bill:

1. Findings

The bill outlines several findings regarding esophageal cancer:

• Esophageal cancer is the fastest increasing cancer among American men.
• It has seen an increase of more than 700 percent in diagnoses among all Americans in recent decades.
• On average, one American dies from esophageal cancer every 36 minutes.
• Esophageal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers with a 5-year survival rate of only about 20%.
• The incidence of esophageal cancer has tripled among younger Americans recently.
• It typically has low survival rates because it is often found at advanced stages.
• Awareness about esophageal cancer encourages individuals to seek preventive care and recognize symptoms early.
• Survivors and medical professionals have made progress in treatment options and living with the disease.
• Early detection of its precursor condition, Barrett’s esophagus, can help prevent the cancer.
• Patients diagnosed early have significantly higher survival rates.
• The American Gastroenterological Association recommends screening for individuals with multiple risk factors for Barrett’s Esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma.

2. GAO Report

The bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to produce a report on esophageal cancer within one year after the bill is enacted. This report must include:

• An evaluation of the total healthcare spending related to esophageal cancer for federal employees and retirees who have been diagnosed with the disease.
• Data on how often individuals under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, who are at high risk for esophageal cancer, undergo screening according to established guidelines.

Purpose of the Bill

Overall, the bill seeks to establish a framework for increasing awareness about esophageal cancer, understanding its impacts on healthcare costs, and promoting early detection through appropriate screenings for at-risk individuals.

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