science
Senate Bill Would Create Seven New VA Prostate Cancer Centers and Request $15 Million
Chairman Jerry Moran introduced legislation on Monday to permanently authorize and enlarge the Department of Veterans Affairs precision oncology program. The measure would add seven new Centers of Excellence and request $15 million in annual funding.
Jul 20, 5:00 PM·1m read1 source
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Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Jerry Moran introduced the Precision Oncology Program for Cancer of the Prostate Authorization Act on Monday. The bill would permanently authorize and expand the Department of Veterans Affairs precision oncology program for prostate cancer by creating seven new Centers of Excellence at VA medical centers and establishing a performance-review process to maintain quality standards.
The proposal builds on an existing network of 21 centers that already supply advanced genetic testing, counseling, targeted therapies and clinical-trial access, and the legislation requests $15 million in funding.
Prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among U.S. Veterans, accounting for roughly 30 percent of new cancer cases in the VA system. The department diagnoses about 15,000 veterans each year, a rate twice that of civilians. Moran, a Kansas Republican, said in a statement that adequate research, resources and outreach must be available to veterans battling cancer.
Locations for the seven new centers have not been determined. The Senate bill has entered the early stages of the legislative process and will be considered by congressional committees.
