Pennsylvania advocates are pushing for legislation that would remove cost barriers to prostate cancer screening for people considered at higher risk.
Pennsylvania advocates push to remove cost barriers to prostate cancer screening
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Asia Tabb
Pennsylvania advocates are pushing for legislation that would remove cost barriers to prostate cancer screening for people considered at higher risk.
aired; September 22, 2026
Pennsylvania advocates are pushing for legislation that would remove cost barriers to prostate cancer screening for people considered at higher risk.
Donna Greco of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network says the goal is to make it easier for people to talk with their doctors about their risk and get screened earlier, when prostate cancer is easier to detect and treat.
Colonel Jim Williams, chairman of the Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Coalition, says one of the biggest challenges is getting men to seek screening before they have symptoms.
“Men do not understand the importance of screening,” Williams said. “Prostate cancer is best treated in the early stages. And the early stage is before there’s any symptoms.”
Williams knows the importance of early detection personally. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer 34 years ago after his wife encouraged him to see their family physician. A PSA blood test revealed an elevated number, which led to further testing and his diagnosis.
“Because of that early detection and good healthcare, I’ve been paying taxes for 34 more years,” Williams said.
The advocates say high-risk men should begin talking with their doctors about screening around age 40. That includes African-American men, veterans, first responders and men with a family history of cancer. Initial screening can include a PSA blood test and a physical examination of the prostate.
Greco says prostate cancer remains one of the most common new cancer diagnoses in Pennsylvania, while barriers including cost, stigma and misinformation can keep people from getting screened.
The legislation, House Bill 281 and Senate Bill 447, would remove copays and deductibles associated with PSA screening for high-risk Pennsylvanians. The bills are currently pending in the insurance committees of the state House and Senate.
Advocates will gather at the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg on September 29 for a Lights of Hope display, a press conference and a legislative briefing focused on the proposed legislation.
For Williams, the effort is also about encouraging other men to share their experiences.
“We have a responsibility for men’s health,” Williams said, urging men and their families to speak up about screening and prevention.
Listen to the podcast to hear the full conversation.